Remembering Ian McCain
• With heavy hearts and great sadness, the Milwaukee Radio Alliance announces the passing of Justin Cooper, a.k.a. Ian McCain, on August 12, 2024 following a brief illness. He was only 54.
Since 2011, McCain as served as APD and afternoon driver talent for Alternative WLUM (FM 102.1) as well as Digital Program Director for the cluster, which includes AC WLDB (B93.3) and Oldies WZTI (Fonz FM).
“Ian’s passing has created a massive void in our hallways and our hearts,” said Michelle Rutkowski, VP of Programming and Operations. “His spirit, his love of music, his sheer volume, and his wickedly funny wit have left an indelible mark on the MRA, our partners, and our listeners. It’s been our absolute privilege to have called him our co-worker and, more importantly, our friend for the last 13 years.”
A native of Omaha, NE, McCain previously worked ay WKQX (Q101) and AOL Music in Chicago, KJMY/KSOY and KJQN/Salt Lake City, KKNB & KSLI/Lincoln, NE, KMYZ/Tulsa, Saga Communications in Des Moines, IA, KNRX/Kansas City, and KJDE/Omaha.
A spokesperson for Cooper’s family said, “We want to thank all of the people who knew and cared for Justin. Milwaukee welcomed him in with open arms and he returned that embrace with all of his heart. We so appreciate all of the love and support the City has always given him, and now to us in this heartbreaking time.” Information about services will be forthcoming.
