With heavy hearts and great sadness, the Milwaukee Radio Alliance announces the passing of Justin Cooper (aka Ian McCain) on August 12th following a brief illness. He was 54 year old.

McCain has been APD/PM Drive on-air host at WLUM (FM 102/1) since 2011. He also served as Digital Program Director for the entire cluster.

“Ian’s passing has created a massive void in our hallways and our hearts,” said Michelle Rutkowski, VP/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.”

An Omaha, Nebraska native, McCain previously worked at WKQX and AOL Music (Chicago), KJMY/KSOY and KJQN (Salt Lake City), KKNB-KSLI (Lincoln, Nebraska), KMYZ (Tulsa), Saga Communications (Des Moines, IA), KNRX (Kansas City), and KJDE (Omaha). 

A spokesperson for the 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.”

Michelle made the devastating announcement on-air shortly after 12 noon with morning host Adler. WLUM is planning a tribute show for McCain this Friday, August 16th at 2p (CT). The station is collecting your favorite memories for the tribute. Please share HERE. You can tune in HERE.