although it's been about 2 months since Uncle J.D.'s passing the Saturday Mornings Haven't been the same. Jason is doing a fine job but he's no Uncle J.D.I Have seen many dj's come and go the throuthout the last 26 years of WJVL's country. Each presents their own persoanlity to their show. But J.D.'s was truly unique in his style. We all miss him very much,our hearts and prayers are with his family.

I can't explain the emotions that I felt when I found out about Uncle J.D. My heart is truly broken. I looked forward to the Saturdays that I worked when I got to see him. When I found out that he had cancer...that made me unbelievably sad and scared for him and his family, and for all of us that loved him. Then, the Saturday morning that I came into work and thought that I was going to relieve one of the other djs....and instead it was J.D....I was sooo happy...I gave him a hug and told him how much I cared about him and that I was so happy that he was better. He is an amazing man. I loved listening to him, and I enjoyed our talks. I will miss him sooo much. I just recently found out that he had passed. I wish that I found out when it happened, but J.D. you are an inspiration to many, and to me you will always be in my thoughts, prayers, and my heart. Til' we meet again.... XOXO

JD will be missed. My condolences to Ruthann and his family - and his radio family in Madison and Janesville.

Sybil "Kate" McGuire

It was a great honor and pleasure to work with JD at WTSO/Z104 from 1983 to 1991, when I was an engineer there. Talk about someone who had a smile around every corner, and truly loved their job and co-workers... He referred to me as "Jimmy." JD also did a weekly oldies show named "Class Reunion." He was an encylopedia of knowledge about the artists and music. In a recent lunch visit with JD, I was reminded of that keen knowledge when he talked of his earlier days in radio: a visit that I will always remember and treasure. JD was a true pro, and listening to him last month on WJVL, his magnificent humor and personality came through as always, in the short moments between songs and even in the music he played. My very most sincere condolences to JD's family. God bless JD and his family. JD, may you enjoy peace, happiness, many smiles, and the best "class reunion" in "rock and roll" heaven.

Jim Hermanson
Middleton, WI

I worked with JD from 1981 to 1990. I was the accountant at WTSO/Z104. JD worked from 6-10 AM and JD would quite often stop in the accounting office after his show and plop down on the chair in front of my typewriter. (We had typewriters then.) Any compliment about how funny his show was that day was taken with humility. Yes, he did call everyone "Buddy" and you were immediately his best friend. I am happy to hear that he continued to say "it is better to have a bottle in front of you than a fontal lobotomy". He was in the Naval Air Force and as JD said, "It's hard to force air through a navel." My sincere condolences to Ruthann, who is as nice as JD and was always so nice to me. JD will be in my heart forever.
Margie Afifi
Madison, WI

what a nice tribute. i hope everyone had the opporunity to read the THursday Jan. 3rd,2008. edition of the Janesville Gazette. They did an awesome job on "Uncle JD".

For a few years I was priveleged to "appear" on JD's morning show as "Rojo the Magnificant" (any magnificance is directly a result of JD's creative genius), but our association goes back to high school. Later we were both in the Service at the same time, and wrote to each other, because "nobody else would write back", he said.
We were in the Madison area and in the Two Rivers areas at the same time, so we spent lots of time together over the years. I saw a lot of the "radio business" from the inside and found it fascinating, but mostly fun because I had JD Barber as my guide to the inside.
We're retired now and living in New Mexico, but we have several Wisconsin friends here who remember JD Barber well!
We all on the listening end of "radio" will miss him as I know all of you do on the "inside".
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ruthann, and her family.
Jeff and Pat Jones

J.D. was known as John David Barber while working in Two Rivers. He became "JD" when he was hired at Z104.

I am very moved to hear an old friend and radio partner has passed on. John and I were the morning team on WQTC in Two Rivers back in the mid 70's when we did the "Barber-Douglas Morning Show". John did all the work and I just laughed alot, which was easy to do working with John. We had many good times on and off the air.
I send my sincere sympathy to Ruth Ann and her entire family. I only wish I had a chance to say good-bye.
Ted
(Lee Douglas)

On behalf of your family, I would like to thank everyone for the kind comments. It has been a very hard time for us. Ruthann is not the computer type, so I printed these pages and gave them to her to read.

Also a special thanks to Justin Brown, Ed was lucky to have worked with such a great guy. Your a great friend.

Thank you
Michael Berry JD's son in law

I first met JD when I was 17. My Mom and his wife Ruthann were best friends in school. Ed (JD) took me to the Z104 studios one afternoon in 1980 for a tour, plus I got to sit in the on air studio with Jonathon briefly to watch the magic happen. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be in radio. JD recommended Brown Institute, which I attended 1982-1983. I'm still in radio today enjoying every moment. Pay could be better, but it's a fun job. Not many people can still have fun....and get paid!
God bless JD.

Jim "Saunders" Adsit
WVRQ Radio
Viroqua, WI

I will miss one of the greats. When I got my break working overnights in Madison at Z104 in the early 1990’s it was surreal to hand it off each morning to JD. It was hard to go home some mornings just because he had so many cool stories to share. God Bless you JD.
-Brian O’Neil MY 95-7 Milwaukee

It's amazing how life can come at you way too fast. I was having an average day on Friday... getting ready to take the afternoon off and celebrate the coming of a new year with a nice four-and-a-half day weekend. Next thing I know, I'm thinking about JD's wife and how devastating it must be to loose the love of your life and try and move forward. By the end of my "half day", I'd felt like it had been a year.

I've tried for days now to come up with how to express my sadness, but JB probably says it here better than any of us ever could...

No words can ever express how it feels to be a fresh, green radio personality and walk into the studio where a "legend" is at work... The first time I met JD on a Saturday morning at WJVL, I remember him telling me:
1) I couldn't possibly be old enough to remember him from Z104 or Q106
2) that he is not by any means a legend, just a guy getting by

Well, I WAS old enough. And, if he's wasn't a legend, he is now. Not because of his career as a fantastic radio personality that had the talent to make you laugh at him and yourself (and even shake your head at how corny he was). But because he was a fantastic man that made you feel like a friend the first time you met him. Even after a number of years of not talking to him, I still feel like I lost a member of my family. (No one else will ever be allowed to call me "Jen Jen".)

The loss of JD Barber will be felt not only by the world of radio, but by people around the country who all will remember "Uncle JD" so fondly in their hearts.

God Bless JD and his family. (Buddy, Buddy... It'll be a struggle to adjust to radio without you.)

Jennifer Powers
Q106

What a shock to hear about my ole' fishin' buddy passing away.
JD and I went fishing many times on the Wisconsin River, and the 4 lakes around Madison. We'd always bring our friend 'Jack' with us to keep us in good spirits ;-)

JD was the captain of our ship at Z-104 for 10 years. He was the Jerry Seinfeld of the show letting all the other characters take the spotlight. Well done Mr. Barber!

It was a pleasure to work and play with JD all those years.

God Bless him and his family and I'll see you again soon in Rock 'n Roll heaven.

Matt 'Maddog' Hudson
Denver, CO

I really enjoyed the humor of JD. I worked part time at a hardware store a few years back with a good friend of his who told me many stories about their exploits.
God Bless JD and his family.

we will miss a good man

he was a great dj he will be hard to place. I heard him on the radio back in my teens on z104 and q106. rest in pease jd you will be greatly missed.

I can't believe that Uncle JD is actually gone. I loved listening to him on WJVL. He will be sorely missed by everyone.

Rest in Peace, Uncle JD.

The best part of working Saturday mornings at WJVL was coming in early to talk to JD. I listened to him while I was growing up and couldn’t believe that I actually had the opportunity to work with him. He was genuine, funny and a very nice man and I will miss him. Saturdays just won’t be the same anymore. My condolences to all of his family and friends, he will be missed.

What a sad loss! I, too, grew up with the musings of J.D. Barber, Ralphie Boy and Newms on Z104...vowing to someday work with them. In 1989, my dream came true! I was the Z104 overnight guy who got to pull the carts for Mr. Barber in the morning! What an honor! I learned (sometimes to my misfortune) that it was "better to have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy!"

I went on to work with J.D. at Q106 and Y105. I'll never forget the morning he was standing outside the studio window (of Q106) drinking a cup of water and a comment I made on the air (that I can't exactly recall) caused him to spit it out all over! "Buddy, Buddy!" he said, "Did THAT just go over the air?"

If there's a "Rock 'N Roll Heaven," then there's definitely a "Radio Heaven" and I will see you there, my friend!

My sympathies to J.D.'s family and all of the people whose lives he touched.

Dave Murphy (MY 95.7 in Milwaukee)

I remember meeting JD in passing when I worked at WJVL in the late 90's into 2000. I heard the legend in radio was coming to our station, and was pleased to be part of a staff with him on it. Growing up in Rockford, I listened to Z104 in the 80's when I could and heard his funny antics on the air. I am saddened to hear of his passing, and offer my condolences to the staff at WJVL.

Much love,
Jan Spencer
WQYK
Tampa, Florida

JD will be greatly missed.

I met JD in 2001 when I started in the WJVL news department. He was the constant highlight of working Saturday mornings. We shared many conversations. JD was sincere. It was not an act. I left the studio each of those Saturdays with a smile on my face, because the last person I talked to was JD.

One of the previous commentors mentioned JD’s ability to be funny, sincere, and empathetic all at the same time. I think it was his humility. He had a “radio” personality, without any of the negative stereotypes that go along with that label.

Many of the years I knew him, I was completely unaware of his background and experience. When I learned more about his background, I was not surprised to find out about all the success he’s had on radio. I was, however, surprised I had not heard about it sooner…another tribute to his humility.

His on air style was like nothing I’ve ever seen or heard before. Listening to him on the air was addicting, but watching him perform was remarkable. At the end of my shift, I would typically hang around to watch him go on the air at least once so I could study how he did it. He definitely “got” radio and commanded the stage in the theater of the mind…a rare talent.

I apologize to the family. I had hoped to make it to this morning’s services, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to make it. Be assured my memories of JD will be cherished, and my thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

So rare can you find a person to look up to both personally and professionally. Rarer still is a person with such a wonderful personality and generous heart.

I’ll miss you JD.

I worked with J.D. years ago at Q106 in Madison. He was probably one of the most genuine, kind souls I have ever been blessed to know. Like many others, I also had wonderful conversations with him on Saturdays after he recorded his Sunday morning show. It was usually, "Buddy-I'll buy, you fly" and I'd head out to bring a six pack back to the station and enjoy more stories from a wise man. Thanks, J.D. Even though it has been so long since I've enjoyed time chatting with you - I'll miss you more than even I thought possible.
Kate (Hephner) Gaines

The world, not just the radio world, has lost a truly good and very talented man. JD was the epitome of personality radio. I had the honor of starting my career with JD in Two Rivers in 1977. Then he was "Uncle John". The knowledge he shared with me was priceless as he took a young green kid under his wing to mentor. And yet he would always want everyone's feedback as to whether or not one of his bits was "ok". Of course it was hilarious. He always left a great impression on everyone he met. They don't get any better than JD. He is in Rock N' Roll heaven. I wonder if he'll reunite with his old engineer Raoul Feldheimer and sidekick Punky Bosencats. So long for now JD. I owe you so much for everything you taught me about the radio business and life in general. My deepest condolences to your family for their loss. Your time with us was much too short...this is a very sad time.
Don Cook

Rest in Peace, Mr. Wisdom!!
Our condolances to RuthAnn,Tammy,Jenny and families.
J.D. was my dad's best friend. They were fishing buddies, B.S. buddies, and of course a drink or two was usually involved.Many deep chats at the picnic table.
We heard many stories that started with " Guess what Barber did NOW!!" Or " That Barber!"
J.D. and RuthAnn were so kind when my Dad passed, we all grieved together.
J.D. was loved and admired by many people. He will be missed.
Liz

when i was growing up i listen to Jd Barber every day when he was with Z104 he always brighten my day up an when he was hired by WJVL it made the station DJ's that much better an more exciting to listen to on Sunday Mornings he will be missed by all who knew him an those who listen to him every day. I wish to extend my sympathies to his friends colieges an family May god give them Peace. God Bless JD Barber John Zimmerman Janesville WI

Like others here, I am saddened by J.D.'s passing. But I can't help but smile and chuckle at some of the things he's said and done. I first met J.D. in June of 1980 when he was hired at Z104. I last spoke with him in the mid 90's when we were both with the Big Y-105 (along with a young Ken Scott!). The first time you met him, you were a life long "Buddy". In all my years in radio, J.D. was the most real person I've encountered. He always thought he could do better, yet most everyone else would say he was the best. I believe he would be uneasy with the attention here, but I'd ask everyone to raise a glass of Hiney wine and have another laugh with a good man, J. D. Barber.
Buddy Albert

I can only echo the comments made by so many of us who were blessed enough to know and work with Uncle JD. A kind, gentle man, who always thought of the the other guy. I was in awe of his talent and knowledge and had a deep respect for him. He will be missed. My sincere sympathy to family - we all loved him,
Shari Dalton

For those of us who knew the man the loss is so great. JD Barber has ben a friend and a co-worker of mine for the past fifteen years. I've considered it an honor, and a privledge to have known him.
As we reflect back on what he meant to each of us, remember this. JD would not wanted us to cry or to be sad, he'd of hoisted one back with us and laughed "It's a Struggle Buddy", with that smile and demeanor that only JD had.
I consider myself fortunate that JD was part of my Life!

RED

I listened to JD first on the Madison station, and then on JVL. He was one of a kind. Defintely one of the funniest entertainers with a unique style, and one of the most enjoyable disc jockeys I have had the pleasure of listening to in my 56 years in many locations in any genre. Garrison Keillor of "A Prairie Home Companion" is the only comparison I can think of to match him. He never overwhelmed the music or the listener. A lot of today's morning DJs could learn a lot from listening to tapes of JD; too many forget to concentrate on the music and fixate on their own voices and lifes.

The king of South Central country radio has passed on to the great radio station in the sky. I will miss his voice greatly. We on earth have lost an icon; the angels will definitely be smiling more often now.

Sooooo Sorry to hear that Uncle JD passed this morning. I listen to 99.9 all the time & he was a great D.J.. Our deeepest sympathies to his family, friends, co-workers, & fans.

I've never met the man in person, but feel as though I've lost a lifelong friend. JD was there through my high school and early adult years on the Madison stations.
When I moved to Rock County seven years ago, I was delighted to be "reunited" with my old friend JD on the airwaves of WJVL.
He had the same cornball sense of humor as my dad did. He will be sorely missed.
You're doing a wonderful job with his tribute.

Good Job JB on filling in some big shoes, I can only imagine how hard it was this morning to walk into the studio and do the show. The Airwaves of Heaven got a new Dj on friday. I know he's looking down with pride this weekend. So Go Rest High on that Mountain My Friend.

I remember listening to JD when I was a kid - being cool listening to Z104 out of Madison. I remember the music drove my parents nuts, but JD could get them chuckling.
I'll miss hearing my horoscope.
He had a way of making everyone feel important. I've never heard any DJ take the time to give EVERY sports team score within a 50 mile radius. He could do it too within 1 minute or less.
I never had the opportunity to meet JD, but always loved his distinctive voice that made you feel like you've known him. I think it was because he woke me up so many mornings with his "GET UP, GET UP, GET UP" theme song!
My thoughts go to his friends & family. He had to be one in a million.
Great tribute JB, by the way.

Working w/ JD on Saturdays has been one of the highlights of being @ WCLO at 5:30 in the morning! Entering to do readings and smelling his aftershave always made me smile. A sweet guy - a talented guy - a guy who is now looking down on us. Love to the family & I'm sharing in your sorrow!

Although I only work every third Saturday in the WJVL newsroom, JD always greeted me like he was talking to an old friend. He gave great advice, too. A shot of whiskey cures a sore throat better than cold medicine!
He will be missed by all his buddies at WJVL.

I couldn't believe it when i heard the news this evening. The Best Dj @ wjvl has passed away.As i stated preiviously in Rd Hot"s blog Sat. Mornings will never be the same again Uncle JD added warmth, charm, humor, factoids, although i have never met him in person. I feel as though i have for the last several years he's been here @ wjvl. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family. Rest in Peace My Friend. and Thanks for all the great memories.

I met Uncle JD when he started spinning country at 106, I was a listener and I thought he was a great entertainer. It was until almost four years ago when I started work with him here at WJVL that I learned he had not been entertaining all those years, he was the same man behind the mic that he was to your face. This is rare in this industry, but Uncle JD was an amazing man with an incomparable sense of humor. I have had many laughs with him and the stories that he shared are unforgettable. I know that he shared a little bit of himself with everyone he met. He passed along the lessons he has learned over the years and, to a rookie that is something you rarely come by with such honesty and sincerity. He taught me how to cure the common cold, give an entertaining weather forecast, both of which are some of my favorite stories. I will never forget my Saturday morning wake up, with Uncle JD. I will never forget the smiles he brought with his good old Engineer Ollie, and I will never forget our “Good Buddy” Uncle JD. I wish peace of mind and peace of heart to his family. And to all of us who were blessed to call him Uncle JD be thankful that you got to know such a wonderful honest man, I am.

Thank you Uncle JD,

Stacy Madison

During my first "tour of duty" at WJVL in the mid 90's, a lot of the DJ's working there had worked with JD so I would hear all kinds of stories about the man. As a 18 year old kid, I was both amused and intimidated, for lack of a better word, about the reputation of JD for I had never heard a bad word uttered about him and EVERYONE had held him in the highest regard.

Fast foward to 2004 where I came back to WJVL and was able to actually meet JD and to work alongside of him. I had remembered all of the stories and I learned first-hand that all those stories were true. He'd go out of his way to help you out, whether it was a "radio" question or just about anything, JD was there for you and it would make you want to go through hell for him.

I had pitched in here and there on the Saturday morning show when he was out sick. I knew right from the start that I had big shoes to fill and I did the best job I could. I was able to be by his side his first show back and even though he was off the air for months and all that he went through, he didn't miss a beat. The only thing I could say was that even on my best day, I wouldn't have been able to come close of what he did that day.

Words cannot describe how I feel at this moment. And mere words alone can't do this man justice. When you say that someone was "one of a kind", JD was it. A true professional and I am damn proud to call him my friend. I'm just glad that now I've got stories to tell to pass along to others. Thanks JD. For everything.

Jason "Junior" Ryan

JB, I read your tribute to JD Barber and I couldn't agree more with the kind things you said. Uncle JD was a prince of a man, a gentle giant in all our hearts.

I listened to JD on Z104 every morning, back in the day, and I just loved his warped sense of humor. I think I patterned my "style" on the air after him. He was a mentor, and a role model. I owe him so much.

I remember to this day, some seven years later, the first time I was scheduled to go on the air after JD. I couldn't sleep the night before, and was as nervous as I've ever been prior to an air shift.
After all, I was on the same radio station as the radio icon called JD Barber, and to make matters worse, I wanted to do a good show so that his "intro" to my show wouldn't embarass him.
I must have showed my awe and nervousness as I enter the studio. JD introduced himself, shook my hand, and said "Wow, what a train-wreck this show has been... you can take it easy and do better than I did!"
Of course, he never had a bad show in my eyes, but he was simply trying to put me at ease, and he succeeded.

Hundreds of shows later, I still have fond memories of an unassuming, genuine friend, and I am proud to say I knew JD Barber. Funny thing is, he'd say the same thing about me, and mean it. He was that kind of guy.

And I miss him.

Bruce Slater

JD Barber was Radio. He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother and a friend. His humor was second to none. It was simple. It was fun. There's a new star in heaven tonight.Your family, friends, listeners and Ole the Engineer will miss you dearly. Thank You JD!
May You Rest in Peace

I have had the chance to work with and get to know Uncle JD over the last 7 years. He's been a good friend and all around wonderful person! JD has the ability to put a smile on your face whenever he's around. I remember the first time I ever saw him was at the Rock Co. fair. I was interning at the radio station that summer of 2000. I was talking with Bruce Slater and JD walked up. My first thought was, "Is that Kenny Rogers?!?!" He looked just like him! With his white beard and white hair under his baseball hat. I was amazed! I love the way JD always calls everyone "Buddy". It didn't matter who you were.
Whenever I worked after his shift on Saturday mornings, he'd be in the production room and he'd tell me if I saw flames, he'd probably blown something up, and I should come check on him. I'm real glad I never had to worry about that!
JD is a wonderful man! He's taught all of us how to be a better person. His humor and passion for radio made the rest of us want to be on that level too. I know I speak for all of us at WJVL when I say God Bless you Uncle JD Barber. You're a legend and will live on in our hearts forever.
~Kellie Brooks~

I didn't get the chance to work closely with JD, as I had moved "off air" by the time he started doing Saturday mornings at WJVL. But a few Saturdays, when I had snuck back in to do some commercial production I had forgotten to do during the week... I had a blast chewing the fat and talking about the old radio and Brown Institute days with JD. I'll miss seeing him, talking to him, and listening to him on Saturday Mornings.
But I know his family will miss him more. And to them I offer my feeble condolences. I say "feeble", because words will never soothe the hurt of a loved one dying.
Good Night JD... and thanks for all the fun!
Jim Thomas [WCLO/WJVL Copywriter]

I am so sad for the lost. I sincerely want to wish his family the best! I am sad for the radio station too the man was very entertaining! We listen to WJVL all the time JD we love you and will always remember you. We will hold you dear in our hearts and souls
forever! We will continue to celebrate you as life goes on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!