MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis radio station 98.1 The Max reported on its Facebook page Wednesday morning that longtime host Chris Jarman has died.
Family tells WREG-TV he died at a Batesville, Arkansas hospital in northeast Arkansas. They tell us ICU’s closer to home were full.
His family says the loved the Mid-South.
“Chris was larger than life,” Hunter Harrison, cousin, said. “Everyone loved Chris. He grew up in West Memphis, and he loved West Memphis, he loved the West Memphis Blue Devils.”
His co-host Danni Bruns also reflected on Jarman’s legacy saying he was a man of the village. He enjoyed volunteering and giving back to the Ronald McDonald house. Telling me he was unapologetically real, an underdog.
“We all make mistakes, every day of our lives and to have someone on the radio to relate to, it was perfect. He wasn’t going to hide that he was not perfect,” Bruns said.
The station said his death was the result of a “tragic accident.”
“Thank you for all of the calls and messages expressing sympathy. Please continue to pray for his family,” the station said.
Jarman, a fixture on Memphis radio for years, was a co-host on 98.1 The Max with Danni Bruns. He joined 98.1 after previously working as a host on Rock 103.
Jarman was 50 and was from West Memphis, Arkansas, according to Roller-Citizens Funeral Home. Services will be announced Thursday.
Morgan Bohannon, vice president/market manager with Cumulus Memphis, shared a statement:
“Chris Jarman, a Memphis broadcasting legend and co-host of ‘Danni and The Jar’ morning show on 98.1 The Max, died shortly after midnight last night at White River Medical Center in Batesville, AR. He was 50 years old. His Cumulus Memphis family is saddened beyond belief by his sudden passing. Jar will be remembered as a kind-hearted soul who gave his best and rarely met a stranger. He had a special connection with many; especially, with his audience and the community we serve. His memory will be long lasting and one we will hold fondly. They simply didn’t come more authentic than Chris Jarman from Jarkansas!
We will share further details on memorial services when available. In the meantime, Jar’s co-host, Danni Bruns and her team are planning an on-air tribute to our beloved co-worker, friend and “one of a kind” Memphis broadcaster. There was only one “Jar in your car” and we’re going to miss him dearly.”
The ultimate cause of Jarman’s death isn’t quite clear. He fell Sunday, breaking his ankle. Tuesday, he collapsed, and his cousin says to his understanding all nearby ICU’s were full so he was taken to a hospital in Batesville, Arkansas, a little more than two hours away.
The radio station is doing a tribute and said they want to hear from you.
You can call 901-537-9131 and leave a message and share your story.
