Classical Notes: October 31, 2011 Archive

Found the morning show the week I moved to the cities in the early 90's and "Jim Ed Poole" was one of the people who started all my days off with a smile and a laugh. I certainly miss his characters and his humor and am so sorry for your loss. :(

I never met Tom in person nontheless I cried at learning of his passing death occurs when you are forgotten He will not die for many years if not generations may he bring the same joy where ever he is to those so fortunate to be in his presence ty Tom

Tom Keith is gone forever. R.I.P. Garrison Keillor and the rest of the APHC gang will miss him deeply.

With the book being posted available online today, I could not help but think of him again. He could truly reproduce any sound. I remember vividly in the PHC movie with the shoes plunking over glass in a box. He was something else and really missed.

Best Morning Radio ever, anywhere, a genius with voices and characters.

So many good mornings. So many smiles. Thanks, Tom.

I know it's been a while since he's been gone now, but as I'm listening to Radio Heartland on a dreary April morning, and when I listen to PHC on the weekends - I realize that I still miss him. I want him to make me laugh. He was quite a character, had a unique personality and was truly a man of integrity. I sat next to his sister during the broadcast of the last Morning Show at the Fitzgerald. She spoke with me, and I told her that Laura Ingalls Wilder and PHC were why I came to MN, but The Morning Show was why I stayed. She told me that she hoped I'd still stay - I'm still here, comforted by my nostalgia. Thank you, Mr. Keith!

I loved Tom's clever humor, timing, everything.

I miss him and hope to see him later.

Love and blessings to his family and friends,

Lori

I only recently learned of Tom's untimely death. Thirty years ago, I did theater reviews on MPR and Tom would sometimes operate the equipment while I recorded. I was a neophyte who knew nothing about radio, and he most graciously put up with my stumbling and retakes. He even made me sound good on the radio, no easy task. It was always comforting to see his smiling face across the microphone and through the glass. He was a truly nice man.
My sympathies to his family and fans. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to know him however briefly.

R.I.P. Tom Keith 1946-2011. He was one of public radio's best clowns. He will be missed.

Most excellant.the man

Mr. Keith made me laugh and he lifted my spirits when I was down. I loved listening to him and was so sad to hear about his passing. I send my condolences to his family and friends.

Tom's stylings will be fondly remembered here! Whether in a friendly competition with Fred Newman or riding shotgun with Garrison and the gang on sound effects, his stylings helped immerse the listener into the storyline. We will miss him terribly. Hail and Farewell, my friend.

It is with great sadness I learn of Toma€™s passing. I was just on the PHC site looking for a show from 1994 and find this announcement. I had no idea. I saw Tom first in Nov 1994 show in New York City. I always remember him from that day forward in my minda€™s eye when hearing all his contributions. Awed in how he performed and the creativity.

I knew when some funny sound came across the during the show, I was sure it was him, and the voices he did during the show can't be replaced...
Thank you for amny years, and countless smiles...

When we lived in St. Paul some 18 eyars ago the morning show and Tom's alter ego Jim Ed Poole was so much a part of the creation of a sense of belonging in our new city. Then we enjoyed several visits to Prairie Home Companion at the Fitz to watch his amazing talents in person, particularly enjoying Maurice the curmudgeon of a maitre d'. Of course we purchased a Cafe Boeuf apron, autographed by Tom which later gave us one of our most cherished memories. Over the intervening years we corresponded just a few times with Tom by email and I was always impressed that he actually took the time to personally respond, but that was just how kind a man he was. About 5 years ago we journeyed from our Traverse City , Michigan home to see Prairie Home once again and contacted Tom in advance to see if he would be willing to meet with us before the show to resign the apron. Over the years of running our bed and breakfast the apron was in great shape but the signature after many washings had virtually disappeared. Tom was so gratious and did indeed take a few minutes to not only sign the apron but chat with us for a while backstage. His passing will leave an enormous hole in all of our lives, and my condolences go out to all of his family, work cohorts, and friends whose lives were so touched by this wonderful and talented man.

Thank you Mr. Keith, where ever you may be for your talents. You are the best. You always made me laugh out loud. I could really imagine characters you were sounding, most of the time.

A long time ago the Morning Show came to the Calumet Theater in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. My wife and I took our four young daughters to watch the rehearsal and stayed for the potluck dinner that followed. We were amazed and thrilled when Tom came and sat with us after making his way through the food line. What I remember most is how he connected with four small girls under the age of eight. That was more than 20 years ago and I still smile whenever I hear his voice. For us, Tom Keith was more than an amazing actor and sound guy, he was a great dinner companion at a picnic table in an old ballroom. Thanks Tom.

My heritage is all Mid-west, altho I migrated to PA 30 years ago... on any Monday my father, Curtis E Kurtz of White So Dak, and I will share a recap of PHC's latest edition.

We will both miss Mr Keith... Cowboys with no "moooooooooo's"... no cyotes,,, Guy N. without footsteps and skits without the 'Thuwp, thuwp thuwp" of choppers on a mission. Will there be a CD of this week's show???

JLK

So very sorry to hear of the sudden passing of such a wonderful person. He created so many lasting memories of UpNorth life, and gave even more colour to Garrison's witty recollections. He will be sorely missed by this transplanted Minnesotan.

I've lost an old friend. As a PHC listener since 1977 (WBAA, W. Lafayette, IN), I "grew up" on Tom's wonderful contributions on the show. I also had the opportunity to know him as "Jim Ed Poole" when he did the Morning Show at KNOW with Dale Connolly from St. Paul when I lived just across the border in River Falls, WI. He always put a smile on my face! Peace!

I recall going to the show at Muncie, Indiana in 1997(or 96?). That was the first time I attend any radio show. After the performance I walked to the stage and asked for autographs. Tom picked up my program, signing, turned his head back and yelled:"Sue, gotta do the autographs". I still have it framed with the autographs of Tom, Tim, and Sue. Too bad GK didn't come back to the stage. Now I work in Taiwan and still listen to APHC's podcast. Tom will be missed.

I have listened to Prairie Home Companion since the mid-late 70's. It is hard to believe Tom Keith will no longer be with us and everyone else.
I send my sincere and heartfelt sympathies to his friends and families. May God surround you with His Grace and Love.

Tom Keith's sound effects, along with Garrison's stories, were the hook that got my kids to endure and enjoy PHC from the time they were born. We were fortunate to run into Mr. Keith at a PHC show in Chautauqua, NY. He responded in a warm and friendly manner when the kids and I approached him. He gave us many laughs over the years. He was unique and irreplaceable. Condolences to his faqmily.

I was a listener for a few years before I got to see my first live "Prairie Home Companion" at the Town Hall in New York City during one of its Christmas season stints. I remember two things about the show: Garrison's red socks and watching Tom Keith intently whenever he was on stage. I was fascinated by the real miniature door he had on a wheeled cart and that he appeared to move shoes across each other to create a walking sound. Incredible.
I'm sad he's gone. I'm glad he lives on in the archives.
Red socks and Tom Keith's miniature door. My life is complete.

I reside in India since 2001 prior to which I was in MN.
I have been listening to the PHC over the internet over these years off and on. Mr. Tom Keith's skills as a voice actor have always amused and amazed me. It was a pleasant surprise to me when I came to know that the sound effects on Mr. Keillor's show were actually done by just one individual and it increased my reverance to this individual all the more. Though never have had an opportunity to watch the show live, which was always on my to-do list, I feel sad to know of Mr. Keith's demise. Surely he was a great actor and a wonderful human indeed. His wonderful talent will always be remembered well.

I lived in St Paul and then in Onamia in 1973-78, (and courted and married girl from just west of Lake Woebegon, near Mille Lacs.) Jim Ed Poole was was favorite radio sports broadcaster. I remember "Jim Ed" reporting the scores, "7, 13, 6, 21, 14" in all earnestness and with great conviction. Made my mornings then, and is somehow what I love about Minnesota even now.

I have listened to Prairie Home Companion for many years including the years before the "hiatus". I have always been amazed at the genius of Tom Keith's fantastic and realistic sound effects and the way he would immediately respond to Garrison's cues. I suspected that many were unscripted which makes his mastery of his craft all the more amazing. I will miss his performances and my heartfelt sympathy is rendered to his family and all of his acsssociates at NPR. He will be sorely missed.
Jake Doty Sr

I'm so sorry I didn't write this when you were performing because you were amazing !! Never missed a beat or sound. Your characters were part of our lives every Saturday. Thank goodness there's recorded history of the joy you added to A Prairie Home Companion. My wife and I miss you already. Thanks Tom.

I have listened to Pairie Home Companion, I think since its inception. That means that Tom was in my home every weekend for decades -- more frequently than most of my best friends. Every week I marveled (and laughed) at his sound effects, wishing I could be in the studio audience watching him work his magic. I love many of the regular features of PHC, Guy Noir, Lives of the Cowboys, the Lake Woebegon tales, but I really loved it when the skit came on that featured the non-stop sound effects that spiraled into hilarity. How he will be missed!
My sympathy to his family and to the staff of PHC. While your loss must be very heavy, the celebration of Tom's life is shared by many.

I have just heard the shocking news about the untimely passing of Tom Keith, whose vocal genius so enriched PHC, and am deeply saddened; there are tears in my eyes as I type this. Thank you, Tom, for the years of enjoyment and the amazing sounds you provided; travel well, wherever your are, you now have a whole universe to amuse with your great talents. Blessings on you, and thank you again for all of it.

I am sadden to hear of your lose.
His voice may be quite now, but forever in our hearts his sounds will live on.
Goodbye Tom, we all will miss you.

As a former Minneapolis resident, my day began with "The Morning Show" and my Saturday evenings were filled with the sounds of "APHC". Tom Keith as Jim Ed was a very entertaining character for the morning show. I am sitting here in CT on 11/12/11, listening to the rerun broadcast of APHC, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the nod to the talents of Tom Keith on a piece in this show. May His Memory Be Eternal!

There is a special place in Heaven for Tom, who has made so many of us laugh for years and years. Lightened our load! My sympathy to all the family.

i'm stunned and sad. i have absolute awe for this man and his astounding, consummate talents, delivered pitch-perfect. love what you've written about him in memoriam. so little i knew about him. i'm so grateful for what he brought into my home, my life. what a brilliant contribution. i'll miss him. thanks for the tribute in PHC program tonight. If i feel this way, as one solitary listener, what the cast and family must feel must surely be profound. Please accept my deepest condolences.

Heidi and I offer our thoughts and prayers to Tom and his family. Many evenings my wife and I sat parked in our car listening to a Prairie Home Companion and the magic show Tom produced with his voice. He set the wheels of our imagination in motion that gave us reassurance that life need not be taken to seriously .We will miss him dearly but know that he will continue to moo, cackle and guffaw wherever he maybe in that big prairie in the sky. Heid and Sumner

I am saddened by Tom's sudden loss and will miss him very much. I always felt like I was part of the Family and that Tom was performing for me! I was always amazed at how he did so much and he was truly a magical performer. I guess Heaven needs creative commedianes as much as they do those choirs -- Maybe more -- Lots of us can sing, but there was only one Tom!

I think that the reason why God lead my family to St Paul for 2 years in the 80's was to acquaint us with the Morning Show, Jim Ed Poole (Mr Sports, Mr Action), and Dale Connelly. We followed the Morning Show and Jim Ed for the next 20 years as we finally settled in GA. We first heard "My LIttle Potato" over MPR while we lived in St Paul. Jim Ed asked for requests one day when we lived in GA (we listened online). I phoned it, and Tom Keith picked up. I asked for Little Potato and Tom said, "That's a good one! We'll do it!" So, that was my brush with notoriety. I couldn't believe that I actually got to talk with Jim Ed.

We'll our lives were enriched by Jim Ed's zaniness. We followed him and Dale for years, and were saddened by his retirement... and shocked by his sudden passing. We are so grateful for him. He lightened our day and made the world a little better place to live.

We will sorely miss him.

Phil Smith
Duluth, GA

Thank you for putting together all of these materials by and about Tom Keith. His passing leaves a huge hole in the world. Deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

Tom Keith New York City Christmastime A Prairie Home Companion Perfection. Thanks for the years of delight, Tom...

I have wanted to write something for a week now, but been unable: sadness hampers elocution. In so many ways Mr. Keith blessed us: the perfection and timing of his effects, his devotion to animal and people and machinery sounds (I'll never forget the time his rotary phone made the audience break into spontaneous, lengthy applause, interrupting the skit for some time), the way *he* told the story. It was always his work that made things come to life for me, that turned the radioplay into a movie, bringing things into vivid detail in my own mind. I have been perennially enchanted by him, and ita€™s some kind of performer that holds your attention and respect whether youa€™re 10 or 25 or 40. While I know PHC will continue wonderfully and well, I am truly sad that Mr. Keith is gone. My sincere condolences to his family, his friends and community, and to the cast and crew of PHC (especially Garrison). Thank you for this opportunity to express my appreciation for Mr. Keith and sorrow at his passing.

Each week I listened with relish to Tom's sound effects. I would mimic him, in my own pathetic way. He was a wonderfully gifted Artist. I will miss him and I know that the whole audience will feel the same as I do.

I always loved, what I called "the list", when Garrison would march Tom through a gauntlet of creatures and vehicles and items that make noise. I know it was scripted but it always sounded as though the two of them were just playing with words and sounds

You have my prayers & sympathies and I share your grief.

God Bless
Don 'Buck P' Creacy
Working America's Storyteller

Tom Keith was a great guy. He was one of radio's best clowns ever. Tom basically played his table of props and household objects like a little piano according to touring SFX man Fred Newman. He was also a good friend of Garrison Keilor right from the very beginning. It was a pleasure for him to appear onstage at all of the shows at the Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota. When I found out that he died, it came to me as a complete shock. I was on facebook the day after his death and a post about him appeared on APHC's facebook wall. I also read his oobituary in the newspaper the next day. He even taught fellow cast member Tim Russell how to do the "burping" sound effect. He will be missed. We love you Tom.

Since I could remember Monday mornings meant hearing about the prairie sun. By the time I reached middle school I begged for Prairie Home Companion tickets for my birthday. And when the Morning Show came to an unfortunate close, it was only natural to skip a day of school to see the last performance in downtown St. Paul and eat pancakes with the crew. I will toast my next spoonful of
lime jello marshmallow cottage cheese surprise" to Jim Ed Poole and his good-hearted Midwestern wit!

It's really amazing how some people out there, who we've never seen or even met in person can have such an huge impact on our lives. I listened to this guy for more than 35 years, ever since Garrison started his part of the morning show... He truly became a friend, though I never even really knew this guy other than on the radio.

His characters like "Hal" the space telescope, the Genway Dr, and who could forget Captain Billy of the Muskelunge, as well as those commercials for things like chicken feather siding for our homes, as well as countless others, have left a permanent pleasurable mark on my psyche and memory...

But I had listened and enjoyed his entertaining for so long, I was deeply affected by his passing, and I still get misty eyed when I think about him. (Also it 's a milestone for me, that his kind of creative genius is surely passing away as well, as how many sound effects people are still out there, with radio stories disappearing from our world?)

He will surely be missed, and my sympathies go out to all his family, friends, and loved ones...

"May God always stand between you and the dark places in your lives..." Gary

We are all so fortunate to have had the warmth and talent of this amazing man present on our radios for so many years. I listen to his characters that were created on the fly and always hear the humanity of them; he used tone of voice, sideways comment, something that really spoke to how real the character was. My heart goes out to his close family and friends; I will hold your broken hearts in my prayers that you may feel the loving energy of everyone who mourns with you.

Tom Keith was one of my favorite performers on my favorite radio programs, PHC. The skits when Garrison would spin a yarn to the affective and effective always sound accompaniment of Tom or Fred often would get me laughing so hard I had to pull over. May he make a joyful noise forever, wherever, and especially in our hearts.

Farewell. Adieu. Abschied. Addio. Adios. Farval. Gezegenung.

I'm sure he will be sadly missed by all of the PHC listeners. Even though he had no speaking part, he was a very audible presence on the show.

Only good memories of a very talented man. Rest in Peace, Tom Keith!

Pastoral elegy for Tom Keith

IN as much time as take sheep to learn letters

A shepherd will rehearse a whole volume of sound effects

No one will have to read any words on a page

Just close her eyes and hear wrestling with alligators

Or hen-pecked hermaphrodites shopping with skaters

Alongside constructors of volcanoes with craters

And this shepherd will not know what aspect of effort

Will touch fellow shepherds in Land-o-Lakes backwoods

Till he reaches the confines of a tree-sowing Heaven

And rains down upon all as loon echoes in desert

Oh, to the joy Mr. Keith now embodies

As he emits sounds for turkeys out of mouths of iguanas

As he tricks kin with fog horns that smack of horned fauna

And cries for a€œcana€™t make mea€� in place of a€œI wanna

Yes, to the luck Mr. Keith shall bestow

Unto sheep and their shepherds, all gleefully in tow

Who will wonder if crickets are remote control boats

The sounds that theya€™ll hear will be real and part fancy

And exist between chance and omnipresent Keith strategy

And the love wea€™ll all know (yes, ita€™s born of part snow!)

Will reside between rural and urbane radio

And transcend all the bounds made purely for show

Moving upward past mountains and star gazersa€™ know

Toward a locale so idealized ita€™s not clearly there

Inside chambers of Tom Keith in apt rafters over ear

Outside logic and sound check and na€™er-roaming dear

Thank you, Tom Keith, for your tongue and your cheek

May you improvise in death, resting always in pique

The news of Mr. Keith's death stunned and saddened this native Minnesotan transplanted for 25 years in Texas. For nearly a decade before moving south, Jim Ed Poole was a morning companion, and in the years since his sound effects made a laugh -- and, once I stopped, to wonder how he made all those sounds. Some have written in this space in this space about how Tom was one of those constants, someone who would always be with us. His sudden and early departure reminds me of the words of the Nigerian author and activist Babatunde Olatunji: a€œToday is a gift. Thata€™s why they call it the present.a€� Rest in peace, Tom. And please entertain those in heaven with your marvelous talent.

Kenda and I were so saddened to learn of Tom's sudden passing while we listened to the PHC show last evening. As long-time listeners we always were amazed at Tom's inventiveness, timing, skills and comedy. We will miss him so much. I may never hear a live loon on a northern lake, but Tom's version will be with me in perpetuity. Our sincere sympathies to Tom's family and friends.

Thanks Tom for all you did to entertanin us. We were blessed. To your loving family...you will never know how many people were touched by him and share in your pain....heaven is filled with silly wonderful sounds..

The clock radio alarm would go off, and I always would wake up smiling. Thanks Jim Ed Poole.
- Jenny

When I was an undergrad at the U of M, I listened to a local morning show with two local announcers, Jim Ed Poole and Garrison Keilor. We could go to their live Saturday night show at the World Theater in St. Paul for two dollars and have our pick of seats... Of course, I continued to listen when they went national and I moved away from Minnesota. I will miss him as I know you will. My sympathy to his family and friends. Thanks for sharing him with us!

Tom made APHC so much fun to listen to every weekend! It has been my standard Saturday night date with my boyfriend for almost 20 years. I will miss his sounds and his larger than life spirit.

Having only met Tom through PHC and feeling such a loss--I can't imagine the pain for his family and friends. My heart goes out to them.

The few times I was lucky enough to see the show in person I spent most of my time watching Tom to see if I could discover his magic. How lucky we were to receive the gift of his talent.

I heard about Tom's passing on the National news in California. It hit me very hard.

I have not seen or heard from Tom in forty-three years; after being discharged from the Marines. We became close friends serving at Camp Pendleton when I was nearing the end of my enlistment. Tom was the kind of person you never forget. He entertained us even as 20 year olds. I am very sadened to know he is gone and I never got back in touch with him.

I have been reading about Tom's amazing career and I simply smile in admiration. I have also read the memories shared and I am not at all surprised that he has touched so many lives. He certainly touched mine.

My deepest regrets and most sincere wishes for his family, friends and all of us who had the honor of knowing and spending time with him.

On behalf of the state of Michigan, the wonderful shows from Detroit to Ann Arbor and Interlochen, We express our sadness on his sudden departure and absence from the PHC. Truly a man who touched many lives without knowing who he touched or when or how. Truly remarkable and sadly missed.

For seven years (1997-2004) I had to live in Duluth, MN. Tom Keith ( and Jim Ed Poole) helped me to adjust to the bitter cold winters ( and springs and falls) of the Northland with gentle, clever humor. I have returned to Pennsylvania, but my heart stayed in Minnesota. I have missed Tom Keith, and now I mourn his passing. My condolences to his family, to his friends and to the cast of Prairie Home Companion.

Pssst! Aks yur mom if you can come over to my house....

Thanks for these thoughts? Does anyone know who sang the "Somewhere over the rainbow" song that closed last week's remembrance show? Beautiful. It, and thinking about the loss, made me cry. Thanks so much.

Loved listening to Tom and Dale in the morning and still smile when I think of any of his characters. What a terrible loss!

Jim Ed Poole (thanks to Ma and Pa Poole) and his chicken living in the Transom Hotel, Billie Marty Barrie (sic?), Dr. Larry Kyle, Nephew Thomas (radio daredevil), and more, plus sound effects and, by all accounts, a wonderful heart. . .he and Garrison and Dale made my mornings special for so many years, especially after moving to NC and realizing I could still have my morning friends online. Thanks for all the memories and years of friendship.

Tom Keith, along with the rest of the PHC cast, has given me many hours of laughter over the years. When I lived in Papua New Guinea, I would receive tapes of the shows from friends and spend Sunday afternoons listening to PHC. The sound effects were phenomenal!
Once a friend and I were working in a remote village and decided to listen to some PHC tapes. Our laughter was so loud the villagers came to look in our windows to see what these crazy women were laughing about! I guess we kept the whole village awake that night.
My favorite has always been the original 12 Days of Christmas included in the Christmas tape set. He was a truly gifted man and will be missed.

His cat calls made my cats look at the radio every time. I will miss him so

I saw him perform during several performances. He was quiet, but came up with the amazingly funny sounds. Thank you, Tom, for all of your great work.

I have listened to PHC for over 20 years and the sound effects and amazing radio acting of Tom Keith have been a mainstay of my enjoyment of the show. I am so sad to hear of the loss of such a talent. The amazing worlds he could help create in our imaginations will be long remembered. In a day of reliance on the visual, he was able to build pictures in our mind's eye that were both unique and common to every lister. RIP, Tom. We will miss you.

An hour before tonight's broadcast, we found about Tom's death. We are long time listeners and looked forward every week to hear this truly brilliant artist! There are so many of his sound effects that we loved, it is hard to pick one -- they were all hilarious. Even though we never met him, we feel his loss personally and we send our deepest condolences to his family and friends as well as expressing our gratitude for his life. It certainly lightened ours.

Sincerely, Beth GennA� and Allan Gibbard

Best,

My heart sank into my stomach when I read that Jim Ed/ Tom Keith had died. How could he do that to us? How could he leave us? He was a part of our lives for years, starting back when Garrison and he did the morning show, then he and Dale in the morning and he and Garrison on Saturday evenings. Our world has a big hole in it, and we had never met him person to person but it was a comfort just knowing that he was sharing our world made it a better place. What a wonderful person to have such an impact on people's lives who never met him. If we are missing him this much, I can't imagine how hard it must be for his family and close friends. Thank you Jim Ed/Tom, you have made our lives richer and we are so sad that you have left us.

Any version of the 12 Days of Christmas (which I "sing" along with every year) and the Halloween sketches....ok, ok, everything else too!

He is already missed! or should that be 'missed already'? Dang it Garrison!

Jim Ed and Dale feel like family to me and they have played a huge happy part in my mornings for decades. Listening to the Morning Show always put a smile on my face and was such a good way to start the day. The gentle humor, clever skits, wonderful sound effects and low-key style was so refreshing and such a wonderful contrast to the jarring over-the- top news and celebrity scene of today. I remember driving to a conference one September Tuesday only to hear about the attack on the towers from them. I appreciated that my first exposure to that news was from them. Jim Ed, you will be missed by millions that you never even met. You have touched the lives of so many people. And Dale, my condolences to you and thank you for continuing to entertain with Radio Heartland and other contributions.

As a child, I remember listening to APHC in the seventies and now into my adulthood, it is still a tradition for my husband and I to listen to "the show" every Saturday. Our whole family loved Tom's sound effects and were amazed by his talents. My young girls especially enjoyed Tom as a chicken. RIP, Tom. Supportive thoughts go out to his family.

A true artist that could paint images, not with paint and canvas, but with our imagination. God's Speed.

I have listened to him for years! He will surely be missed! Deepest sympathy to all his family, friends & fans!

Tom was my neighbor for the last ten years and I enjoyed every encounter we had. I also work at the local golf course that Tom frequented, usually with his twin sister Terry. The last time I saw him there it was a family affair withg Terry and his brothers, with one missing. Once I asked Terry if Tom made funny noises as a child. One other time I asked Tom if he made sounds while others were teeing off. His reply: "Just once". I will miss him.

He was the most unassuming celebrity you could ever imagine.

Much love and many condolences to Liu and the family.

I have always been impressed with Tom's creativity, sense of humor and amazing real-time delivery. I think walleyes must sound exactly like his impression of them.

I saw many PHC shows when I lived in MN, either by freezing certain body parts off as I stood in the "rush" ticket line or when I finally got wise and started volunteer ushering -- Tom was so wonderful, his sound effects so totally real. We'll miss this beautiful soul here on earth, but at least the angels and the Almighty are enjoying his talents and humor now!

I commuted to the U of Mn for premed, medical school and residency: ten years. Jim Ed Poole got me there every day and made the trip much shorter. A great friend I never met in person but knew so well. What a loss.

I just want to say that I was quite the "youngster" when the call letters changed on 99.5 from a local pop radio station (WLOL) to this "gawk!!" what???" said my teen or young 20-something brain - to a "classical????" music station..? I remember being irritated that my pop music being covertly 'overthrown' by this (in my mind) boorish, and quiet radio station on MY favorite dial, 99.5. Couldn't believe it. But, for some reason, I left it on there and on the by an by, I started listening to this quirky, unusual, and most genteel group of guys known as Dale and "Jim Ed Poole" in the wee hours of the morning. I remember this so well, as I am **NOT **a morning person in any stretch of the imagination. So, waking up to their quirky characters and funny stories, well, it's basically a miracle they kept me listening. And listen I did. Each day they were on, for years. Keep in mind I was a "young punk" and this was really my 1st introduction, I am sure, to -- "intelligent radio." Well, now I am in my a-hem....40-something years.....and you've still got me. Jim Ed Poole, you were something else. Thanks for all your characters and stories. They rocked. Kept my young, fuzzled, and frazzled, non-morning person - brain - in pretty good shape in the wee hours of the morning. A miracle indeed. Rest in Peace my radio friend, rest in Peace, thanks for your beautiful voice and spirit. Blessings, peace and grace to your family.

What a terrible loss for you, and for all of the listeners of Prairie Home Companion. I remember the first live PHC program I saw -- at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC many years ago. It was as Garrison described - when Tom came onto the stage with his table of props, my eyes went to him as Garrison spoke. What magic Tom performed, right before my eyes. And the sounds were genuine -- especially all of the animals. The interview video with Tom is a treasure and should be shared with children forever -- it highlights the value of imagination, creativity, and devotion. Thanks to Tom Keith and Garrison Keillor!

Saddened by the loss of our weekly friend Tom Keith. He was the sound effects man on Prairie Home Companion. He died Sunday night of a heart attack. I really will feel his loss. He was only a year older than me. I survived a heart attack three years ago. I wish he had gone to the hospital sooner. We will miss his silliness. Sometimes life is a Wapiti fart!

Tom Keith's sound effects were just amazing, and I was always struck at how real they sounded. I've always wanted to go to a taping of PHC just to see him in action. Sadly, I've waited too long, and will never get to see Tom perform his magic. It's wonderful that thanks to technology, we will always have the show's recordings to listen to Tom's work whenever we want to.

Been with PHC from the beginning, enjoyed the sound effects, especially Tom's. May his memory be Eternal. Once a Marine, always a Marine. Semper Fi.

When my husband Mike went to collect firewood, our dog Watch loved to go along for a run in the woods. When Mike got down the chainsaw, Watch would get as excited as a hunting dog seeing his master's shotgun. One day APHC was on the air and Watch was asleep on the floor. When Tom Keith imitated a chainsaw, Watch's head jerked up, fully alert from a sound sleep. Tom was that authentic.

It is the middle of the night
Deep in a desert
Far from civilization
The stars and galaxies shine down
On a tiny campfire
in the wilderness
Three souls poke at the fire
The sparks rise to join the heavenly
stars.
Tom looks up and lets out a whoop.
The audience of two look on in envy.
Tom looks up again and lets out a cackle.
The two look again in envy.
Finally Tom looks up a third time
but this time makes no sound.

I am about the same age as Tom--young! I
have listened to PHC and the Morning Show for as long as I can remember. What a gift he was! May his beautiful soul rest in peace.

For myself, Mr. Keith was a master as well as a master examplar of "young at heart".
Thank you Tom!
Kevin
Yokohama

We considered Tom as a kind and delightful friend who, with the rest of the APHC crew, came to visit every Saturday night to entertain us and bring joy into our lives.

Tom will be so-o-o-o missed. We love Garrison deeply and eternally but Tom put the icing on every show with his amazing talents and lighthearted approach. Our condolences to his family and to the Prairie Home Companion family who, I know, will miss him greatly.

You always think things will continue as they have been till you hear of something like Tom Keith's passing and then you wish you would have been listening to the program EVERY week to not miss anything he did and now you can't and I am sad.

I am so saddened to hear of tom's passing...He will be greatly missed. To his family please be comforted in the fact that Tom was an amazing talent and brought smiles and laughter to so many...

Commuting many long hours ...Jim Ed and Dale on the radio occasionally kept me sitting in my car for a few extra minutes. The music, the laughter, commentary...radio friendship THANK you. Sending good thoughts to family and friends.

I never saw the show, but have heard it many times. Our daughter was fortunate enough to see a taping this summer when visiting a friend in Mass. She loved the show, but the one thing she mentioned that especially stood out was the sound effects man. It was fascinating, she said, to watch him work his magic. Our sympathy to Tom's family and to all you who worked with him for all these years. He must have been a wonderful person, and the joy he brought to so many is a wonderful legacy that he has left. May God comfort you all.

I am so saddened to hear of Tom Keith's passing and wish to extend heartfelt sympathy to his family and colleagues. He and Dale Connelly both brightened my morning drive in to the office and I especially enjoyed Tom's rendition of a political candidate for office. Dale was a wonderful straight man and I am so proud to think of Tom Keith as a Minnesotan. He has been a true delight for me and I am sure for all who listened to the morning show and to Prairie Home Companion. We were very blessed to enjoy him while we did. May he rest in peace. Sincerely, A proud listener of Minnesota Public Radio.

I listened to the Morning show and Prairie Home Companion for years. Loved Jim Ed's sound effects and also characters like Capn Billy and Dr. Larry Kile. Will never forget how he could start my day with a smile and a laugh. Glad I had that experience--will miss Tom Keith. what a guy!

As a companion and appreciator of chickens since childhood, I especially enjoyed Tom's chicken voicing. (Having spoken the language myself!)
I am deeply saddened by his premature passing.
Sincerely,
L.J. Elias, Townsend, DE.

Tom Keith's part inn the Morning Show made my daily commute a blast. I remember laughing out loud as i drove as he & his partner did skits or merely conversed.

I am incredibly saddened to hear of Toma€™s passing at such a young age. His unique skill set and talent for creating humor was one of a kind. This gifted performer will not be forgotten!

Remember- shortness of breath, GO TO THE DOCTOR!!!

How sad! Tom was so talented and never failed to make me laugh. If I hear new sounds coming from the heavens, I will know their source...I'm looking forward to it.

Before I moved to Oregon 18 months ago, I was a lifelong Minnesotan. I have never, ever, ever, been a morning person, but for 20 years I pretended to be one so that I could survive my job as a teacher. (Only half kidding). Listening to Dale and Jim Ed every single workday morning while I got ready for work and then made the drive helped me get through the toughest part of my day. I remember being so sad, nearly in tears, when they announced that the show was ending. My mornings were never quite the same and I stopped teaching soon after that. Coincidence?

Thanks, Tom, for all your wonderful characters that we met through the years.... B. Marty Barry, Bubby Spamden, The Sherpa Salesman, Dr. Larry Kyle, and of course, Captain Billy, among all the others.

He knew all and told only some. Mr. Sports, Mr. action, Mr. Jim Ed Poole. RIP

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to espress our thoughts and sadness at the death of Tom Keith, aka Jim Ed Poole!
For years I woke up to the Morning Show and the antics of Jim Ed and Dale!
I grieve the loss of his sound effects on Prairie Home Companion. He was such a gifted man.and exuded warmth together with his humor.
So many of us grieve his loss and will always remember him with thanksgiving for brightening our lives. Our prayers are with his family and friends at this sad time. Thank you. Ann Rabie

I'll never forget Tom's (JimEd's) imitation of a garbage truck: "Monback! Monback!" (beep, beep, beep) on the Morning Show, "Worldly Goods" on the Morning Show, and then his helicopters on APHC. Heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues .

http://www.examiner.com/comedy-in-los-angeles/pastoral-elegy-for-tom-keith

As a 68-year-old lifelong Minneapolitan, I started listening to the Original Garrison Keillor morning program when I was alerted to it by Mpls Star columnist Will Jones. I can't remember if if was called "A Prairie Home Companion" originally, but as I listened, I occaisionally heard a different voice helping GK with the mock commercials that he aired -- this was the first of thousands of times I heard Tom Keith as Jim-Ed Poole. I really loved everything he did over the years; first on this Prairie Home Companion, and then later on the evening PHC, on the Prairie Home Morning show, and then with Dale on The Morning Show. I first started listening about 1973, and never stopped for very long. I got quite upset when i heard the news of Tom's death yesterday, and I'm still tearing up now whenever I think of the loss of the man I have considered a dear friend all these years. My sympathy is with Tom's family, friends, and fans.

I loved the bit with the syndromes from the morning show. Where can I hear/find it?

A young woman stated she loved the new station, the Current, except for a couple of old guys who were on in the morning, I said, " I know those old guys. They help me start every morning. I adore those "old guys.' I'll miss you, Jim Ed/Tom.

Listening to Tom Kieth perform was like listening to a great percussionist. The sounds that came out of him brought back the wonder and fantasy of radio that the my parents spoke about. He opened our imagination up to a world that television could never duplicate. If he had been alive in the 1930's I could see Orson Welles say to John Houseman, "Get me Tom Keith for the War of The Worlds!"

I'm a decades-long appreciator of, specifically, the sparkle that the sound effects brought to PHC. This man was clearly talented and perceptive. I'm reading now that he was a dear Human as well. I wish I'd known that, but did intuit it somehow. All of us out here at the other end will miss his work. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

i am not a native minnesotan, but became a proud one in '74...wasn't a big mpr listener then...vaguely remember am show w/ jim ed poole...was in duluth at umd,but have become a regular listener, and a sustaining member of mpr...only listen to mpr or wtip...often listened to pch...a major void has been created by the loss of tom...my respect to his family...you should be proud of your son!!...MCP

I started turning on the Morning Show in 1983 & enjoyed its songs and humor till the final show in '08. Jim Ed was often breathtakingly funny in what he said or how he said it. I think I remember one of his sound effects (who else could have done it?) in a skit or spoof/ad for cough drops for dogs. He created the most alarmingly accurate melding of simultaneous dog bark and man's cough I have ever heard, scandalous in how funny it sounded, as if it proved that we and our dogs simply become one another.

Tom and Dale's Morning show was a morning ritual in our family. They tickled our funny bones daily and were a welcome relief to commercial radio. We feel as though a little part of us is gone with Tom Keith to that big foley in the sky. Rest in peace and hope his family can take comfort from the outpouring rememberance he had on all of us.

We have so many fond memories of Tom--Jim-Ed!
All those characters--how can we choose? The congressman from the 9th district--all the water in Min.--.Cafe Boeff. The sports.
We hope you do an ENTIRE day of Tom Keith. sound effects, characters and ALL.
We've 'listened to the morning show forever and ever. It was easy to adjust to Dale when Garrison left because Jim Ed was there. We've been bereft without the morning show, but we had Tom Keith's fantastic sound effects. Now, his sudden death leaves all of us--unknown personally to him, but touched by him--with great memories, but no new material.
.Kathleen

It was sad enough to end our "relationship" on The Morning Show, but this, a final goodbye, is harder. We could still connect via Prairie Home Companion...... What a talent to lose; what a young age! Goodbye, my friend; I'll miss you! Thank you to the family for sharing this wonderful man with us, the radio audience.

Prairie Home Companion came on the air when I was 9 years old. Over the years his sound effects had me smiling, giggling, laughing and wondering how in the world he made some of those sounds. I smile and get a little teary thinking about him and reading the memorials. I never met him but will miss him. I know this must be painful for all who were part of his life. My heart goes out to you.
Kathy
Celina, TX

Since I work from home I became familiar with Tom from the Morning Show- how I loved the way those 2 worked together, and the funny little skits they had. The humor was just right. Now we will miss his talent and goodness, for even though I never met him I just knew he was a great guy.

For years The Morning Show was my early morning trusted companion. When everything else on radio told you how bad things were in the world, or shouted at you or played music you could never relate to, or played endless commericials, Tom and Dale would remind you how much enjoyment there was to life and why owning a Sherpa made so much sense. Always good humor, always great eclectic music, and never taking things or themsleves too seriously. A few years ago when it was announced that The Morning Show was going to end I felt like I was losing a best friend. You enriched my day and, sad to say, my mornings just haven't been the same since. Now Jim Ed is gone but certainly not forgotten. Thanks for all those wonderful early weekday mornings!

I have been listening to Tom Keith for such a long time that it may have been before the show, Prairie Home Companion was on the air.

I first became aware of him when he did a character on the morning show with Garrison Keillor, who had a chicken that he sneaked into his apartment under his trench coat. The chicken was known as "Curtis, the attack chicken." Amazingly enough, I was able to tell Tom this at an event at the Fitz a few years ago. We had a good laugh about it.

Bless you Tom. Carry on entertaining in the great beyond.

Tom's talented participation on PHC brought me many, mnay smiles and laughs. He will be fondly remembered and missed.

Tom made me laugh and smile so often. My favorite sound effect was his Elk call - I'm tearing up just thinking about it - and I loved his alter ego's impression of a Frenchman - I had to pull my car over to the side of the road when I heard it, for safety's sake.

I will miss him, and I am so grateful for the memories he provided me with.

I listened to the Morning Show with Jim Ed and Dale each morning for all of their 25 + years on MPR. It feels like I have lost a member of my family. There is nothing in today's world that comes close to Dale's writing ans Jim Ed's portrayal of charactors and sounds.

I was a previous long term volunteer with MPR - pledge week, recognition events, off-site shows, social events etc. - and had the pleasure of meeting Tom several times. He was always so real and unassuming, friendly, and a real pro. He gave so much to all of us, seemingly without effort. He will be sorely missed.

35+years; it was a good time when you were on the radio!

It's amazing how we get attached to the people on the radio. Even though we don't meet, we sometimes feel like we know them. I miss The Morning Show, and I'm so sorry to hear about Tom.

Tom Keith a€" A Remembrance
Written by Tom Wilmeth
1 November 2011

I am weary of writing obituaries in 2011, and I dona€™t want to write this one. But I need to.
Tom Keith had a career at Minnesota Public Radio that spanned 4 decades. My own association with him lasted a mere 3 A� years, from July 1980 to early 1984 -- my era at the station working as a Board Operator. And while I have not been in the same room with Tommy for a very long time, I remember him as well as if I had been drinking coffee with him last week. Maybe ita€™s because I could always hear his voice and check-up on him most Saturdays on A Prairie Home Companion. Which I did.

In recent years, I always knew the show was on tour when Garrison would fail to announce the name Tom Keith as the Sound Effects man at the end of a show. He once told me that his wife worried about him during the road trips. But it seemed to me that Tommy himself grew weary of the star trappings, and especially the touring, shortly after the PHC went national and became so widely embraced in the early 1980s. I was at Minnesota Public Radio during a curious and perhaps pivotal time. I recall being in The World Theatre for the Saturday radio broadcasts when there seemed to be more performers on the stage than people in the audience. But soon, tickets would become so scarce that my regular balcony seat was needed for paying customers. So I was invited to work backstage instead, on the show itself.

Others have said it this week, but I want to echo that fact that Tom Keith brought a sense of calm to any situation, yet he was always the exacting professional. It was a balancing act that he made look easy. Tommy found humor in unpleasant situations, repeatedly diffusing workplace tension. At the same time, if some task was being shirked, he would be the person to let you know. I remember leaving some masking tape markings on a mixing console to remind me of audio levels. Tommy called me back to the control room and calmly made it clear that I needed to clean-up after myself. Never happened again a€" not from any fear, but from my respect for him.

It was a joy just to have a conversation with Tom Keith. Much has been made of Tommya€™s sense of timing during the radio performances, but he was this way naturally. He regularly floored me not only with his fast rejoinders, but with a perfectly timed delivery that echoed an earlier era of comedians a€" Jack Benny, Bob & Ray, Johnny Carson. I think this combination of talent, attitude, and personality is why he could stay on Keillora€™s A-List for such a long time. It seemed to me that Garrison could throw Tom into any situation and he could quickly adapt and make it work. And do so without ego or attitude a€" no small thing in any performance setting.

Tom always made me feel welcome and at ease, whether in the MPR studios or on one of my few road trips with the PHC. It was on such an outing to do a live broadcast in upstate Minnesota where I saw the respect that Tommy commanded on so many levels. He filled a unique position on the show as a performer, of course, but never acted the part of the Talent on this trip. He was chief roadie, technician, and van driver. And after this he would be ready to assist the actual show in all possible ways a€" sound effects, characters, anything that would help the broadcast -- on the air or at the mixing board.

I had known for some time that Tom was a really good guy, but it was on this trip that I could also see first-hand what a well rounded and tour-tested radio professional he was.
a€œJust stay out of his way when he is packing the van,a€� I was told. a€œDona€™t try to help.a€�
a€œWhy?a€� I asked. a€œHea€™s never seemed temperamental before.a€�
a€œIta€™s not that. The guy can pack 50 pounds of sh*t into a 40 pound bag.
Just watch and learn.a€�

I did watch, for over 3 years, but I could probably have learned a lot more from Tom Keith during my time with him. Tommy will be missed by the Minneapolis/St. Paul radio community and by all those who enjoyed his talent on the radio. I count myself lucky that I spent time with the man.

#30#
758 words

Listening to the Morning Show was a much appreciated start to our day, especially during our son's growing up years. We'd often pause what we were doing to listen closely to a skit, especially the Sherpa advertisements. We still laugh about the episode that aired the day MPR was giving out free cups of coffee to drivers. Dale and Jim Ed explained that the Sherpa was the perfect vehicle for that situation because it had so many cup holders. And if those weren't enough you could pull around the building, drive out the Sherpette from your Sherpa and drive up again for more coffee. And if that wasn't enough... It went on and on. The Halloween show was also a favorite for the crazy, creepy songs they picked. So many things to remember! As far as PHC, for several years we have made it a tradition to listen to the show each Saturday evening as we drive home from skiing at Lutsen. No matter how good the skiing was, a highlight of the day was driving home in the dark along the shore, listening to the show and wondering how all those sound effects were being made. This season sure won't be the same. Our thoughts go out to Tom's family, Dale, the MPR family and everyone across the country who are grieving. Thanks, Tom, for sharing your gift.

Tom was one of the highlights of every Prairie Home Companion episode. His off the cuff humor and ingenious sound effects added depth to every program. Tom will be sadly missed; we're all feeling the loss. This Saturday will be somber at best.

In the early 1980s I was a single mom and one my favorite memories from that time involves sitting with my toddler listening and laughing with the Morning Show. It completely informed his sense of humor - which was a bit odd for a toddler - but we loved Mr Sports, Mr Action, Mr Jim Ed Poole. I was grateful then and am grateful still for his life. He will be terribly missed.

How deeply sad our family was to hear of Mr. Keith's passing. As a mother of two boys he was a favorite and his sound effects heard on Sartuday's PHC show could be reheard being practiced at bed time. My husband were very blessed to meet Mr. Keith after his last show at the Fitzgerald. It was our first time at the theater and a very rare evening out for us. By chance we exited theater and found ourselves somewahat backstage and Mr. Keith was removeing his props from the stage and walking back in forth in front of us, now we were looking to get my copy of Drama signed by John Lithgow and my husbabd asked Mr. Keith if my book could be signed and we also talked about the show and our boys and asked if he would sign the program for our youngest. He was very kind and warm and now our signed program has become a very cherished remeberence of a chance encounter.
Thanks for the hours of laughs and pure joy.

My job always required me to start at 4:30 AM and always enjoyed the Morning show. Started my day out right!!

Semper FI Tom!!!

I loved the morning show and the characters Tom created - Captain Billy and the doctor from Genway, especially.

When the Morning Show was in Rochester, I won the rock skipping contest. I still have the trophy, a wooden display with a wooden rock built by Tom.

He and Dale helped me keep my sanity during the 80's when I lived in Rochester but worked in the twin cities, so had a two hour trip every morning. They made it enjoyable.

Goodbye Tom. I'll remember you fondly for the rest of my life.

Tom A.

My sincere sympathies...
I have logged countless hours listening to live broadcasts, tapes and cd's that featured Tom's talent. His uniqueness will be missed and there will be a silence where his talent was.

Long before I retired in 1997 I was listening to Tom and Dale Connolly on the morning show every single day and enjoying everything about it. Tom' personality came through over the air and he was an absolute delight. I still miss that show.

For years I enjoyed the morning show-both the music and the antics of Jim Ed and Dale! A dear friend and I would even record our favorite songs on each other's voice mail! He touched my heart and soul. Please know I will keep you in my prayers; I know Heaven will welcome him and his humor with open arms..make the angels laugh Jim Ed!

At the otherside of the ocean, I am going to miss his chainsaw and shotgun, when i work at the office. My condolences to his family. Ferdinand G. Knaack, Amsterdam, Holland

He was a man of awesome talent, in a field that often goes unnoticed and unappreciated. He was always brilliant, but it was wonderful to SEE him being brilliant in the Altman movie.

My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

Iguess the summer of 1971 or 72. I was up early because I had some furniture to refinish. And I tuned in to hear Jim Ed Poole and his description of the baseball game the Whippets had played over the weekend. And I never laughed so hard in all my life! From then on I was hooked on Jim Ed! His passing is a blow -- the good die young must be true.

What a treasure he was. I'm thankful to have been able to watch him at "work" so much as I ushered at PHC shows.
Sincere condolences to his family and many dear friends.
What a huge loss to us all...

My thoughts today have been with Tom's family and with the entire PHC staff and crew. What a very sad day. I can't even express what PHC has meant to my life over the past 10 years. There have been times when it was the only real peace and joy that I felt during the week. Tom's amazing talent was a huge part of that. It was such a gift to be lifted up by him and the whole cast and laugh and enjoy life. So many times, I would be listening and laughing out loud as Garrison was putting him through his paces. Tom's passing is such a loss and my heart goes out to all who were touched by him. Peace.

In 1987, when my mom turned 50, I started requesting a song every year for her birthday. Once I heard Jim Ed sing harmony along with the Gene Autry recording of "You Are My Sunshine," so I asked if he would do it again for her birthday song. Of course he did, and I really choked up when the story on MPR ended with that song (done by Peter Ostroushko). I recorded all those times on cassette tape, and I will be listening to them over the next few days. Thanks for the wonderful mornings, Jim Ed--and Dale, too, of course. I loved it. Now I'll get into my Sherpa and drive away into the sunset.

I, like many people, was taken back when I heard of Tom's passing. I've been a MPR member for many years and always enjoyed listening to the Morning Show. It was a great way to start the day! On Monday evening when I got home, I looked-up the audio from the last Morning Show. As I listened to the show and all the great musicians who played that morning back in 2008, I was struck by the realization that the words they were singing applied not only then but even more so now. Good-bye Tom (Jim Ed).

In the late 1970's or early 1980's, Prairie Home Companion came to Rochester. I had admired Tom Keith as a sound effects guy when listening to the show on the radio and it was fun to see him making those sound effects live on stage.
But what blew me away was Tom doing a bit as a Vegas lounge singer in a white Elvis-style suit and sunglasses and lots of gold chains. It was an incredibly funny act and Tom's timing was crazy. I gained a whole new level of appreciation for Tom Keith as a true comedian that night. He will be missed by so many people who he made laugh, which was his great gift.

On hearing this news, I gasped as though this were a beloved friend. And I guess he was--his presence every weekend made me happy

He was so gifted and talented, when he was doing his"skits" you never thought about the man behind the voice. Our condolences to his family and loved ones and to all who may read this, if you have chest pains, please see a medical professional!

I took a open hour tour at Mpr one Sunday and talked to Tom about the BBC shows that MPR would feature at the time. He show me the equipment that the BBC came on and let me hear a few minutes of the live feed. He had the biggest smile on his face when he saw the glee on my face.

The Morning Show always gave me a smile every morning before I went to work at my job, they were like a part of my family and I will truely remember Tom with love and laughter,

It was with sorrow that I heard this morning of the passing of Jim Ed Poole - as I had always known Mr. Keith. I listened to the Morning Show regularly, and even though it has been off-air for a few years now, I can still clearly hear his voice in my head. My deepest condolences to Jim Ed's family and friends. His voice graced my mornings and will be fondly remembered.

I listened to "The Morning Show" with Jim Ed Poole (aka Tom Keith) for many years and enjoyed the jokes, music etc. and the sound
effects that Jim was so great at. When the "Morning Show" stopped, I
was very sad. Those two guys were so good at entertaining us.
Love and sympathy to Jim's (Tom's) family!

My heart is saddened with the news of Jim Ed Pool's passing. I truly feel like I have lost a good friend. I enjoyed the "Morning Show" so very much and miss it greatly.
My sympathy to Tom's family and loved ones. Thanks for sharing him with me on MPR.

I need to say I think I may be in at least the top 5 % of Jim Ed's biggest fans. Loved that guy! Someone wrote that he was similar to Art Carney and I loved that guy too. Perhaps I loved him a lot because he reminded me of by unassuming silly dad who would make us kids laugh often with silly jokes, dance routines, and wise cracks. What a precious gift in life to make someone laugh and have fun.

I've been listening to the Morning Show since it started. I attended all the Fitzgerald shows (before work) that were from 6-9 AM. Heard Peter Mayer for the first time at a show at Children's theater and became his big fan too. I and other a€œJim Ed appreciatorsa€� attended all the state fair shows. We and would race into the state fair as soon as the gates opened at 6 AM and run like crazy to sit in the front row with our thermos and snacks. Got our picture with Jim Ed and Dale and also got to volunteer to be in skits. What fun being there so early in the morning with such wonderful entertainment. Since we made it to the front row, Ia€™m sure our laughs can be heard in all the shows.

I and the a€œJim Ed appreciatorsa€� would call in song requests for our kids and others birthdays often. My 27 yr old son still remembers this.

I too drove to work listening for years and appreciating the fun skits, eclectic and what I called a€œbig hearteda€� music. I remember feeling joyful coming into work because of Jim Ed the Morning Show. Then the other a€œJim Ed appreciators" and I would laugh at what we heard for more early morning joy.

My friend) even recorded tapes of old shows (early 80s) as gifts for me that I still have. We recently digitized these old tapes to MP3s. (glad to see there is a Morning Show archive now!)
I have an 8x10 photo of Jim Ed and Dale that my goofy friends framed for me.

We a€œJim Ed appreciatorsa€� attended the last Morning Show and stayed overnight downtown St Paul the night before to be sure we could get in- which we did- in the 3rd row. (We were the ones standing outside in blaze orange huntera€™s snow suits!)

Let it be known that I was one of Jim Eda€™s biggest fans. What a sweet, gentle, witty man. Thank you for this tribute page and the noon radio tribute. Ita€™s good to read of all the other a€œJim Ed appreciators.a€� Condolences to Toma€™s family and friends near and far.

The end of an era. I so enjoyed the Morning Show and the final tribute show, and always hoped that there would be a reunion show, and another, and perhaps they would be back on the air. Tom Keith certainly brought a lot of joy to a lot of people with his humor, and contributions to the humor of others with his amazing sound effects. My condolences to those who knew him well. I only thought that I knew him - from listening to his voice so very many mornings.

Regarding Tom Keith's humor, one of the funniest times I remember was when he and Dale Connolly hosted a Celtic variety show at the Fitzgerald. The program started out with Jim Ed (Tom) standing behind a large monitor with the lower half of someone else doing Irish dancing on the monitor. Of course, it was 'as if' he were doing the dance, though he was just standing there.

You had to be there - I have never been in an audience that laughed so hard. Not sure if it would have been as funny if anyone else did that "dance" in that way. It was truly hilarious - I laugh writing about it now.

He will be missed by all his fans. It is a loss. My condolences to his family, and MPR colleagues.

My favorite - Dr. Larry Kyle! Almost went off-road on Hwy 10 on my way to work listening to the sketches on the Morning Show. Really miss those days and will miss the contributions of Tom Keith- Jim Ed Poole.

I am shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Tom Keith. Having listened to Tom for years (over 30?)on APHC he became a friend I never met. The feeling of his passing is like a kick in the gut, much like I felt upon the passing of Jim Henson and Dan Fogelberg, two other good friends that I never met. Each person played an important part in the lives of our family - each an integral thread in the tapestry being created. Tom's sounds, jokes and especially his presence will genuinely be missed. Prayers, love and comfort to those who loved Tom, and to whom Tom loved in return.

Right now I honestly sit in shock. Although I never got to meet Tom Keith, he held a spot in my life I never realized till now. Starting in high school and the decade plus that involved college, graduate school, and many stops in between, APHC was a stalwart for my weekends. No matter what was happening I always looked forward to the show and the sheer pleasure of the show. Mr. Keith's sounds would guarantee a smile no matter the circumstances in my own life. He truly was a treasure and am happy to have welcomed into my life even if it was only on a radio.

When I returned to the classroom after a several year hiatus, I had to drive 16 miles to my teaching site, and every morning;s drive was enriched by listening to the Morning Show with Dale Connely and Jim Ed Poole. I'll never forget the morning they did a segment on Outcome Based Education that almost had me in the ditch I laughed so hard. What joy he brought to this listener and my sympathy goes out to his immediate family and also to his radio family, of which I count myself a fortunate member.

So, now there will be silence.
I'll miss you, Tom.

I was so sad to hear of Tom Keith's passing ,I am proud to say I was an avid morning show listener and was really sad when it ended. He was a very creative and funny man and his characters will forever be with me, My thoughts are with all who loved him. May the many funny memories he created be with you always.

Tom Keith has been part of my existance for at least 20 years. It feels as though I have lost a family member. When I make chicken noises, I try to emulate him. How can we get by without his restaurant sounds, his walking footsteps, his howling wolves, his mournful loon? I shall miss him very very much. Indeed, my family has lost a beloved Saturday night friend.
Brenda Waters, born and raised in Rochester, Minnesota.

As a lonely new intern in the University of Minnesota hospital system in 1982 I attended a pot luck dinner at St Paula€™s Macalester-Plymouth United Church, bringing a salad made entirely of lettuce. Standing in line for food contributed by more energetic cooks, I struck up a conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Keith. When Mrs. Keith discovered I was there unaccompanied she immediately took me under her wing, declaring a€œYou came all by yourself? Arena€™t you a brave girl! Youa€™ll eat with us!a€� When her son Tom joined us part way through the meal she again declared a€œCan you believe she came alone? Isna€™t she brave!!?a€� Far from home, stressed, lonely and sleep deprived, I was grateful for the familya€™s warm embrace although a bit baffled as to why showing up for free food provided by people whose Christian duty was to be kind to me would require a great deal of courage. She said Tom worked for Minnesota Public Radio. a€œAre you a DJ?a€� I asked. Tom winced, said something about a morning show then abandoned efforts to explain what he did for a living.
It is a tribute to Toma€™s sense of self that he was more amused than insulted by my failure to recognize him as a national celebrity. Thus began a friendship that lasted for years before I really understood that he was famous. It probably helped that I did not own a radio and was constantly sleep deprived. But it was also possible only because Tom did not need to wallow in his fame.
At dinner parties Tom would sit quietly, never taking center stage in the conversation but periodically throwing in funny asides. The next morning friends would call to ask if that guy at the end of the table was Jim Ed Poole. a€œNoa€�, I would respond, a€œThat is my friend Tom from church.a€� We dissolved into laughter in the Mac-Plymouth balcony one Easter half way through the Hallelujah Chorus and joked that the real Easter miracle was how congregations were suddenly expected to belt out songs that required professional musicians the rest of the year. My friend Clara came into work laughing over variants on that theme heard on the MPR morning show. When the Prairie Home Companion began broadcasting from Red Wing on summer Saturday nights Tom dropped off his dog, Toby, for me to babysit until he returned. Eventually I figured it out.
Tom once told me that he got inspiration for his show from everything and everybody around him. When Stu departed for Thailand he gave me his radio stating I should wake up listening to Toma€™s morning show. And so I did, which is how I know that the morning show played a lullaby after our friend Lori delivered her first child and the Red Clay Ramblers the day I departed for a visit home to North Carolina. When an accident in the Thai refugee camp for which she volunteered as medical director severed Claraa€™s C-5 spine, resulting in her admission to Rush Rehab Center in the Big Apple, Tom guided me on how to convey the support of her Mini Apple friends through a greeting to be read on the Prairie Home Companion a€" a show Clara listened to through the darkest days of her rehabilitation.
The man I knew was a deeply private person despite his public life. Even now I have a hard time thinking of him as someone famous. But I have no trouble at all remembering him as a kind, intelligent, steady and generous friend and an abiding fan of the annual Macalester College Scottish Fair. The email that informed me of Toma€™s death originated with Sam in San Diego, traveled to Stu in Chicago, on to me in Atlanta, to Lori in Micronesia, and to Clara in Maryland. Decades later and oceans apart, Toma€™s gentle humor still unites us.
I hope something in these memories may bring a smile to the face of Toma€™s wife in Woodbury, his twin sister in St Paul, or his brother on the Wisconsin farm to ease their loss. And I thank MPR for allowing me to try to craft words to honor Toma€™s friendship and to mourn his death.

My wife and flew up to Minneapolis in Oct-11 to catch the show live, the week the Steele sisters were on. Two things I have always wanted to see live, Keillor and Keith's sound effects on stage. I have been a faithful listener since the 70s. I'm glad I got to see Tom live. Glad to have seen him, sad to have lost him.

To me he will always be: Mr. Sports, Mr. Action, Mr. Jim Ed Poole. He will be missed.

THE best script that Tom Keith ever worked on was the SFX Script from the show on January 1, 2005. Pure genius and so funny to make your eyes water. Even after that up to his last show, the man was just incredible at his craft. May God rest his soul.

THE best script that Tom Keith ever worked on was the SFX Script from the show on January 1, 2005. Pure genius and so funny to make your eyes water. Even after that up to his last show, the man was just incredible at his craft. May God rest his soul.

The Morning Show was a bright spot on my commutes, first to college and then to work. One of my favorite memories was a (bogus) traffic report in which Jim Ed reported on various road closings, including highway 280 "because it should never have been built in the first place." Thank you, Tom: you'll be missed.

There was a fine man named Tom Keith
with a zillon personas beneath.
A kind, gentle wit
with a noise that just fit
any story a wag could unsheath.

He somehow became Jin Ed Poole
by using his voice as a tool
to amaze and delight,
every Saturday night,
any woebegone dreamer and fool.

He worked on the day shift as well.
MPR's Morning Show he could sell
with a script penned by Dale
and Tom's sound beyond fail--
they could conjure up heaven and hell!

Far too soon all the echoes are gone
and the curtains of silence are drawn.
But St. Peter's a ham
and no Scot would God damn,
so in heaven the show will go on.

Thanks, Tom, for all the decades of pure magic! We'll be watching the sky and listening...

Carson and Gail Gardner

my prayers go out to the family of a great man.merlin of the airwaves.i'll always regret never hearing Buster and Timmy and Father F. again.God bless.

I can't even imagine PHC without Mr. Keith. His talent is such an integral part of the weekly delight. So sad.

I was 19 years old and spent a long summer as a janitor to save money for college. "Mr. Sports, Mr. Baseball, Mr. Jim Ed Poole" kept me laughing on The Morning Show. Mr. Poole will be missed.

My wife Sandy & I are big Prairie Home Companion fans! We loved to sit back close our eyes & enjoy listening to this wonderful radio program. Tom Keith & his sound effects were always great & made us laugh. Heaven just got a little more fun with Tom Keith there! He left us way too early & our hearts & prayers are with all who loved him.

I was a faithful listener from 'way back in the 70'--my favorite was "Jim Ed;s Boot Camp for Kids". What a huge talent!

As a fellow ex Marine, I laughed out loud when "jim Ed" talked about being sick of people telling him what to do, so he joined the Marines. I sent this msg to him and of course he replied. Semper Fi Tom-Semper Fi. You will be missed!
Bruce

Every day during my summer job in the parks department, picking up trash, cleaning bathrooms, and emptying garbage cans, Jim Ed Poole would help keep my spirits light and my job bearable. Even now, living in New Orleans and too far removed from MPR, I am holding back tears at this loss. You will be sorely missed Tom/Jim Ed.

It was as a member of the Hall Brothers Jazz Band that appeared on the Saturday Prairie Home Companion show during its early years that I got to know Tom personally. He always kept us loose before a show and regaled us with his marvelous sound effects. Later when Tom and Dale were doing the Morning Show, every Christmas my wife Joanne would bake Christmas cookies delivered on Christmas Eve morn by my friend, Butch Thompson, Joanne, and yours truly disguised as Santa Claus! It was great fun but over the years Joanne sadly developed Alzheimers eventually ending up in the St, Anthony Park Home where she died on October 15th. Tom never failed to send his thoughts and personal well wishes to Joanne and myself even after his retirement, and also through our son Peter Johnson, drummer with the Guys All-Star Shoe Band. We all loved Tom and his wife Liu very much. Tom used to come out to our club in Mendota, the Emporium of Jazz, to dance on the Funky Butt Dance Floor and often Joanne would be at the door, who also loved to dance. We'd like to think they are now having a dance on that great celestial floor in the sky!! There'll never be another Tom Keith, but are so grateful for the kindness, thoughtfulness, good humour, and joy he brought into our hearts. Our deepest sympathies to Liu and the Keith family.

I wonder if Tom's family has any idea the extent to which Tom was beloved. Everyone I've talked with is saddened. We all loved him. I first saw Tom perform - must have been in the early '80s - at Concordia in Moorhead. He was the warm-up act for Prairie Home Companion, and he imitated a turtle emerging from his shell. Honestely, all I recall of the show is Garrison's red socks and Tom's very funny act. We will miss you Tom.... Many condolences to Tom's family.

I will treasure our "Pool On Sports" banner:
"Knows All, Tells Some"

How many of us guys are there out here who got up early to listen to the morning show in the 1970s? Thousands maybe? It feels like it must be millions. The Saturday show was like a weekly church service, but the Morning Show was having coffee with friends who experienced the world the way we did, and made us laugh and be in awe simple beauty of ordinary life in Minnesota. Like Kling said in today's tribute, we all loved Jim Ed. He was like Art Carney, the co-star who stole the hearts of the audience, but he would never steal the show. When we went to the Saturday show I always had to shush my wife for laughing uproariously every time Jim Ed made any sound -- somehow the vision of him doing all of those sounds on stage, live, cracked her up more than any joke or story. In recent years I fell away from the Saturday service, and have not filled the vacuum left by the end of the Morning Show, so there's already an emptiness here that surrounds the grief of hearing about Tom Keith's death. The tribute this noon helped.

Well Tom, now you and Dorothy can share some well deserved laughs!

in memory of mom "Dot" of the Chatterbox Cafe

Until yesterday I had never connected Tom Keith to Jim Ed Poole! I always saw Jim Ed as an unlikely name you would give a Sportscaster who knew too little about sports to do much more than give the scores.....and now I realize the genius that went behind the Jim Ed Poole (French for chicken!) character. Who else is there on the earth that can imitate cows, horses, ethnic accents, the wind, rain, etc. etc.? I am proud to say I am an NPR Sustaining Member, and that I enjoyed listening to Tom Keith!!

I was moved to tears to hear of Mr. Keith's passing. Life is fragile. He will be missed by all who ever heard him on the radio. So sorry for your loss, Keith family and MPR family.

Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts on Tom Keith. Minnesota Public Radio is simply the best station out there on the air waves. I had to say that first, because it is true. If it weren't for Tom Keith and the morning radio program, I don't know how we could have gotten through our day. They made us (OK now I am talking about my husband Gregg too) laugh, and we looked forward to every day, knowing that we would not be disappointed. Our disappointment only came when The Morning Show went off the air. As for Tom Keith, he continued to do his flawless performances with A Prairie Home Companion. We were fortunate enough to see it live. Garrison may have been in the foreground, but Tom was never never in the background. His wit shone through every single time. I listened to the noon hour today in remembrance of Tom Keith and found it heartwarming. A true showman, a true gentle human being. He will be truly missed.

My family was saddened to learn of Tom Kieth and his passing. I am one of the ones who have been listening to the show for over 30 years, but more important, I was among those listeners who actually met Tom. I met him on several occasions at shows around the country. My wife and I went to the season opener/meat loaf dinner a couple of years ago, where he and the cast signed a poster of the show for me. Despite the rain that evening, Tom spent a great amount of his time speaking to us and we shared a couple of jokes. He was a fine gentleman, and will be missed by millions. Our sympathies go to his family and also the cast of the show. We all will miss him deeply.

As a newcomer to Minnesota, I didn't initially "get" Prairie Home Companion. That was, until I saw the show live at the State Fair, and witnessed the genius of the cast members, especially that of Tom Keith. All due respect to Garrison Keillor and his great work, it was the "Sound Effects Guy" that made me fall in love with the show. I'm so sad to see him pass prematurely.

What a gift. What a loss. What amazing magic. Thank you, Mr. Keith.

I cried and laughed on my way home yesterday. I remembered the show in River falls a long time ago. Tom Keith was making animal noises. The turtle was the best-no sound but a magnificent neck stretch by Tom.

Was honored to have seen him in person, once in Bemidji, MN in the Morning Show and once in St. Cloud on the Praire Home Compainion. He shared so much of his talent with us. He gave me many hours of smiles and wonderful music; leaving me in awe of his enormous talent. His passing leaves a void never to be filled. He was unique.

We loved to tune in every Saturday evening to listen to Prairie Home Companion. Tom's talent was unsurpassed. He made you believe that there really was a horse, cow etc. in the studio. And, he did it with such ease. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time and we will surely miss his contribution to the show.

I loved Jim Ed Poole on the Morning Show with Dale and listened every morning for years. Loved the music and witty commentary to start my day. Since moving to Arkansas, I treasured Tom Keith's contributions to the Prarie Home Companion show and always admired his sound effects, especially after seeing him do it live! His role in the "librarian skit" also was always a joy.

Having lost a spouse suddenly and another spouse after a long, debilitating illness, I have to say that I preferred the sudden loss - even though it was very shocking and painful for those that were left to mourn. My sincere condolences to the family of this true Minnesota treasure!

One more thing...only those with the very biggest hearts (they are so full of love they finally wear out) are recalled to cheer up the Creator in what can only be described as very challenging times. I know he that will do a very fine job in his new role.

Such a sad time this is. Tom and Dale got me through many tough times during those early morning broadcasts of The Morning Show over the years --- still miss them to this day! Great music and lots of laughs. And what a thrill to be among those packed into a car that cold morning in December of 2009, heading for St. Paul and the Fitz to attend the last broadcast of the show, lining up outside and actually making it into the theater! (Then, the pancake breakfast afterward.) I listen to that CD often --- it was quite a tribute. I will never forget Tom and am so grateful to have known him via The Morning Show and A Prairie Home Companion. God speed, Tom.

Jim Ed and Dale made the gloomiest, coldest winter mornings brighter and warmer during our years in Edina -- how I missed them when we moved to California! I'm so sorry that his voice is silenced.

The morning show on tour and recorded in Grand Marias at North House folk school quite a number of years ago... it was remarkable to be at. A most vivid memory was the toaster toss into Lake Superior! Only Dale and Jim Ed could have pulled it off... Really miss their show and will certainly miss Tom Keith on Prairie Home Show.

A very fine person. I had the privilege of meeting him at the street dance just after he left The Morning Show. My condolences to Dale and to Garrison and all of APHC who lost a dear colleague. Godspeed, Mr. Sports, Mr.Action, Mr. Jim Ed Poole!

The radio brought me much joy as a child, Gopher football followed by Metropolitan Opera on fall/winter Saturdays. Grand Old Ope'ry during the Saturday night bath. Ma Perkins and Cedric Adams. I was delighted with the onset of new radio with Garrison Keillor and Connie Goldman, and then Jim Ed Poole and Dale Connoly. I never could get that new channel. The sound effects on Saturday's Prairie Home Companion brought home to me the joy of listening. So I've been a fan for a long time. Thanks for this very special ride, Jim Ed. RIP.

I used to travel to the Twin Cities on business in the late 90a€™s and happened upon the Morning Show on my hotel radio one day. I instantly fell in love with the program and always set my clock radio to wake to it after that. I liked to think of it as a€œthe thinking persona€™s morning zooa€�. I moved to Minneapolis in 2001 and rarely missed (at least a portion of) the MS after that, along with PHC. What a talented great guy. I feel fortunate to have seen him one last while attending a PHC show earlier in October. I am so sad at his passing and will miss him. My condolences to Toma€™s family, his friends, and everybody at PHC and MPR.

I woke up to Tom and Dale every morning for years, and heard his many voices on PHC every Saturday evening as well. If ever a person that I've never met can be part of my family, he was. His kindness and gentleness were so obvious.

I first heard Tom when he was on in the morning with Garrison Keillor. Then, for all the years with Dale Connely. He was like a good and trusted friend, and the Morning Show was what we woke up to and was ever-present as we got ready for the day. Tom was the self-effacing character of Jim Ed Poole, and his quiet sense of humor and expert sound affects enhanced whatever Dale wrote. Prairie Home Companion was huge due in part to Tom. His passing has made my heart very sad.

It was because of the Morning show that we started listening to MPR. Wanted something a bit more quiet than other radio, plus I enjoyed Tom's wit & the High School shorts on their show. Then came the variety of music on the show. Tom's ability to do sounds was just wonderful & his sense of humour & quiet ways came thru on the radio. We will miss him a great deal.

For umpteen years I woke up early to the Morning Show with Jim Ed and Dale, got ready listening to the fun music, zany characters, and always enough laughs to get my day off to a great start. I missed them so much when they got moved to the Current, which I could not receive up here in the North....dumb move MPR. I was so glad when he did sound effects for PHC, but I didn't blame him for going "part time" to St.Paul shows only. I am so saddened by his death..as all us MPR supporters are.

I especially liked the quick sports results on the Morning Show: 10-8, 23-11, 79-68. That and the every kind of music. So sorry he's gone.

Upon discovering MPR in the late 1970s, I became addicted to listening to Garrison Keillor in the morning. I waited to get up after "Poole on Sports" because it was such a great segment. Tom made this morning grouch laugh, something few have ever done. I will miss you terribly, my favorite sportscaster!

I believe few people can comprehend the positive effect they have on others lives. We all need the light of other people's sunshine - some days more than others. Tom Keith spread joy and sunshine and so do the rest of you who put yourselves 'out there' for us. Thank you.

For years, waking to Dale Connelly and "Jim Ed Poole" was my preferred way to start my day. I've missed the whacky song choices, "Dr. Larry Kyle"'s latest creation from his laboratory and the sport reports. Listening to Dale and Tom's conversations often tinged with surreality.. I wept with the last Morning Show and again, with news of Tom's passing. My condolences to his co-workers and friends and family. He was a creative voice and I'm sorry to hear it silenced.

When I was in St. Paul for seminary, we listened to the morning show with Garrison and "JimEd Poole" who was the perfect straight man for Keillor's slow conversational comedy. I remember well one time when Garrison did a slide show of his summer vacation on the radio and Tom Keith had us in stitches over the usual remarks about seeing slides! JimEd also did the sports report on the morning show. You found MPR's morning show by looking for the stereo light to turn on... Garrison's long pauses made it a challenge!

To you Jim Ed Poole... thanks. You have been part of the music of our lives for over 35 years!

I listened EVERY morning from day one (Keillor) until the last show. It was a SAD day when they retired - mornings are not the same w/o their creative start

I heard about Tom's death on the radio this morning on my way into work. I never met him, but it felt like I'd lost a friend. I sat in my car in my school's parking lot, listening to one of his skits replayed on the Current this morning, simultaneously laughing and crying.

Tom was still on the air for my first three years as a public school teacher and I would listen to him and Dale on the radio every morning on a long commute, and then in my classroom as I prepared for the day. My job was challenging, but the Morning Show made getting up at 5AM each day a lot easier, and the laughter Tom brought into my life on a daily basis helped me start each day in a deeply positive place.

I would like his family and friends to know that I passed that joy on, every day of those three years, to at-risk kids I worked with.

Farewell Mr. Sports, Mr. Action, Mr. Jim Ed Poole.

I was deeply fortunate in 1978 to be introduced to both PHC and The Morning Show. They - and Jim Ed/Tom have been a part of my life ever since. It's hard to imagine what PHC will be like without him. I certainly won't miss this week's show. My deepest condolences to all his friends, collegues, and family. We have all been blessed by his generous sharing of his prodigous talents. And cornball humor. Thanks goodness there are so many fine recordings we'll all get to listen to.

My heart is saddened to know of Tom's passing. I will miss his unique, creative & crazy sounds forever. My 11 year old son & I have enjoyed hearing them almost every weekend. They're getting a good one up there!

I saw him perform once, on Prarie Home Companion. But I heard him hundreds of times, over the radio. His talents amazed me. What gifts he brought to us, in making us laugh. Thank you, Jim Ed/Tom; you are missed already.

I am a member of Macalester Plymouth United Church in St. Paul, where Tom's parents were lifelong members, and which he also attended for a number of years.
Some years ago on Christmas Eve, Tom led us in the Christmas story. He taught us the sounds for the many animals in the story- including the camels- and then led us through the story, with each of us making the sound for our assigned animal.
It was quite fun- and rather amazing- that Tom was able to get an entire church full of Presbyterians (who are about as reserved as Lake Wobegon Lutherans) naying, braying, cooing, etc. One my best memories of a Christmas Eve service. Thanks, Tom.

I feel as if I have lost a friend. What a wonderful wit he had. I so loved the Morning Show he and Dale shared & was heartbroken when it ceased.

From the studio windows overlooking Mears Park to working PHC shows in the Sculpture Garden and making popcorn at the World Theater, Tom was always a gracious presence. His great talent brought decades of laughter to my life. I am so sad. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his MPR family. He will be missed.

My husband and I have enjoyed Tom Keith since he was on the morning show with Garrison. He was so great to wake up to!! What an amazing talent. Our children grew up listening and laughing at Toms routines. HE will be missed by all of us. What a loss for Minnesota.

I so enjoyed Tom on the radio & Prairie Home...what a joy he was...I will miss him too.

So much laugh out loud joy from one man, Jim Ed Poole aka Tom Keith, the world is a sadder place without you. You will be missed.

I had no idea that Jim Ed Poole and Tom Keith were one and the same. Now my sympathy for his family is doubled. Tom brought a smile to my face in the morning for years and on saturday evenings as well. I've missed him in the morning and I'll miss him on PHC now too. I can't imagine your loss. You have my deepest sympathy.

When I turned on my radio this morning and heard a segment from The Morning Show with Tom and Dale, I didn't find it odd that I had never turned my tuner from the Current or that it was far too late in the morning for the show to be on, but instead just smiled and thoroughly enjoyed the segment, reminding me of many a morning spent driving through the early early hours with my mom and sister on our way to school. When it was followed up with a remembrance for Tom and I realized what happened, I was heartbroken. Tom Keith has made such an impact on my life - through junior high all the way to post-college, when I relish the few chances I have to catch a show and let the stresses and fast-paced demands of the day take a backseat to Tom's stories, characters, and showmanship. And when I got a chance to see Tom perform an episode of A Prairie Home Companion at the Fitzgerald, I couldn't take my eyes off my childhood hero and far-away friend. So thank you, Tom, for that special gift of friendship you selflessly gave over the airwaves to so many for so many years.

I met Tom on a number of phone answering stints during pledge times. A great guy and a fellow former Marine. Semper Fi Tom.

Having grown up to the crackle of the radio and with a great appreciation of Mr. Keith's wonderful ability to bring the sounds of anything and everything into reality, I, and my attentive cats, will miss his weekly good work.

I have listened to Tom Keith's work for over 25 years. He brought me great joy
and I am saddened by his untimely death. Flags should fly at half mast in Minnesota in his honor. A wonderful Minnesotan.

He and Dale Connelly helped me propose to my now wife, Suzanne, in 1994. I had hidden the ring in her glove box since we rode to work together. I let them know the time we were usually in the car. Of course, that morning, she was in a hurry because she was late the day before so I was trying to stall a bit but she would have none of it! She dropped my off before the "scheduled" time. I said "Let me know if anything interesting is on the Morning Show." She looked at me weirdly and drove off. I had no idea if this would be broadcast or not but she heard them say "This is for Suzanne. If you're listening, pull off the road and look in the glove box". They proceeded to pretend to scrounge from the radio to her glove box, past the burger wrappers and other detritus in the way. She figured it out and called me when she got to work-after telling her co-workers "My boyfriend just proposed to me over the radio!"

Luckily a friend was taping the show for me so we have a recording of the event.

Thank you for everything you did, not just for me but for for every listener over the years!

Most sincerely,
Paul Reyburn
St. Paul

What a loss. I will always remember with delight listening to the morning show before the Classical Music started. The imagination and silliness helped to start my day off in a happy way. Also his sound effects on Prairie Home Companion were exceptional. To lose him seems like such a loss, but what he contributed to his fellow man is for ever with us. Thank you, "Jim Ed Poole" Tom Keith. May your family be raised up in hope and refreshed with loving memories of you.

In 1980 we moved to the Twin Cities, and I took off one dark morning to find my new office. I got hopelessly lost and absently turned on the car radio. I heard a man giving a traffic report from a hot air balloon and then speaking about the John Beargrease Race. I assumed I had entered the Twilight Zone. When I finally got to work, I related this strange incident to a co-worker who informed me that I had tuned into The Morning Show. He told me that listeners were eccentric, but not generally certifiable. We listened to the end. What a wonderful man! Ed and Beth

I always enjoyed Tom's renditions and sounds during A Prairie Home Companion. He helped make the show.

What laughter and joy Tom provided over the years on Prairie Home Companion. Was sorry to hear of the passing or such a remarkable man. My condolences to those who knew and loved him.

I was such a fan of The Morning Show with Dale and Jim Ed. He/they made my morning every day. He will be greatly missed.

A special and beloved voice is gone from my life. I grieve for myself and those who loved his presence their lives whether in person or on the radio. Tom made me laugh and helped make my life more full and more fun. Thank you, Tom. I offer my sympathy to Tom's family.

I always loved to hear Tom do Buster the Show Dog on PHC and on the Morning Show with all of his characters. I was sad to see the Morning Show end but we could still hear him on PHC. His passing will leave a hole in radio and he will be greatly missed.

Good lord, how can I capture this in words? As I become aware of how deeply Tom Keith influenced me, and then consider how many others feel the same and more, there is simply no way to do it justice. Every character that he ever voiced on The Morning Show was so spectacularly perfect in its brilliant, subtle, spot-on humorous poke at the idea intended by the skit, that Tom melded himself into my very being, without either of us ever realizing it. Now that he has passed, I am just discovering the parts of me that were Tom's Jim Ed Poole. We are all indescribably enriched for his working his craft to such a magical level. I am one of the innumerable listeners whom Tom never knew to what degree he touched. My wish is that now, in his passing, that knowledge is fully his to perceive.

I listened faithfully to Dale Connelly and Jim Ed Poole on The Morning Show for years. I always looked forward to the sports segment when Dale would say, "and now, here he is, Mr. Sports, Mr. Action, Mr. Jim Ed Poole!" I have missed The Morning Show and am so saddened to hear of Jim Ed's (Tom Keith's) passing at a much too early age. Thanks

A friend & I got a chance to see A Prairie Home Companion live once, including Tom Keith. He did sound effects for the horses galloping in a Lives of the Cowboys segment, kicking up a lot of dust in the sandbox he used for that sound effect as he did. It made everyone in the audience laugh, including me. I continued to watch Tom do his sound effects through the rest of the show, & was fascinated. He often made the audience laugh, & I felt like I was on the inside of a great joke. I've often thought of that while listening to A Prairie Home Companion when the audience laughs - anyone who has seen Tom practice his craft has been on the inside of a great joke, and we are all lucky to have been there. I miss him already.

I was so sad to hear about Tom's passing at such a young age. When I was a teenager and thought I couldn't relate to my father on anything we always had Jim Ed Poole! My deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and co-workers. He will be missed by so many!

We shall always remember Tom. When we first arrived in Minnesota in 2007 we listened to his morning show faithfully. We enjoyed his sound effects, his comic timing and the essence of who Tom Keith was. He will be greatly missed.

My favorite bit: On a Christmas show, Garrison was handing out gifts to all the performers, and everyone received a dog (woof, woof)to increasingly reluctant recipients, including Jay & Molly, who sadly announced they were cat people. Garrison finally tried to give a dog to Tom, who said, "I don't hear a dog." Silence. It brought down the house.

What a loss! My sincere sympathy goes out to his family.

Jim Ed was the reason I listened to the morning show. He filled many hours of driving with fun and humor that I shall never forget. He will be greatly missed

I was pretty despondent when I moved to the Twin Cities from the East Coast, but remember a cloud being lifted from my soul when I heard a rendition of Amazing Grace on bagpipes on St. Andrew's Day and then Dale Connoly's statement introducing Jim Ed Poole's sports report with the words: "He's tough enough to read the sports but tender enough to wear a dress." That began my devotion to the Morning Program and played a big part in ushering me into life in Minnesota.

For years, the Morning Show was my morning companion. It was erudite frivolity and fancy, and I would love to feel myself drawn into a welcoming community of music, announcers, and the characters that populated the program - Billy Marty Barry, Captain Billy on the Muscolon, Bud Buck, Larry Kyle. This show was both a respite from the challenges of the day and an invigorating foray into broadcast creativity.

There was something quite special about Tom Keith and I am so very sorry to hear of his passing.

Robert Aronson

Years ago when I lived in Fargo, ND, I used to wake up to Jim Ed Poole and his partner on the radio. They made me laugh outloud as I was forcing myself awake with their great humor on many subjects but especially broadcasting sports (know nothing, don't care) and coverage of the Minnesota State Fair. It was during a member campaign around 2000 that they offered a CD of a curious collection of music for signing up as an MPR member. I bit and have been a sustaining member ever since. I'm also a loyal fan of Prairie Home Companion. What a loss of a great mind and talent and I've no doubt a wonderful human. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends. He'll be missed and what a mark he made on the world.

My wife and I are faithful listeners of APHC and were saddened by Tom's passing. Several years ago, we went to the TownHall to see the show, the last with Odetta, and had such a wonderful time putting faces to the voices we have heard over the years.

Tom was an incredible artist; a true throwback to the true radio pioneers. We wish to express our condolences to his partners at APHC and especially to his family.

When my Mother died, i had kept a recording of many of her old voice messages. May the recordings of Tom bring you joy in the knowing that he touched many and that we all feel as though we have lost not only a voice on the radio, but also a friend who we felt comfortable in inviting into our homes every wekk.

We were at the Prairie Home show on the 22nd where he was as fun and amazing as ever. We brought our 7 and 11 year old for the first time and they just loved him!

Sincerest condolences to Tom's family and friends. He was taken much too soon!

My fondest memories of Tom are his incredible multiple-character performances in the Buster the Show Dog series: Father Finnegan, Timmy the Sad Rich Teenage Boy, and Buster himself. Plus the sound effects!

Jim Ed, the terrific half of the terrific Morning Show, has been for so many years the best part of my mornigs driving to work, and after the show ended (tear), an incentive to go to the State Fair for Garrison's show. My heart aches as it would for a close friend, one that I never had in my house but had on my Santa wish list to have.
My sympathy to his family and memory eternal to Jim Ed/Tom.

It was bad enough to go without Mr. Sports, Mr. Action, Mr. Jim Ed Poole. But now, no Tom Keith?? His amazing talent on PHC always brought us great joy. And over the years, he dedicated two songs for me. One was "I'm a lumberjack" and the other was some goat song for my dear friends' wedding. Oh, we howled at that one. God Bless.

Somewhere in a box from my last move, is a cassette from "The Last Live Broadcast" of the Original Prairie Home Companion." On it was the final chapter of "Buster the Show Dog" when Tom gave his final performance of Buster, Timmy the Sad Rich Teenager, and Father Finnian. For me this is a date reminiscent of Nov. 22, 1963 and there will be those of us who will ask the question, "do you remember what you were doing when you heard Tom Keith passed away? I join in sympthy with Garrison, the cast, Tom's family, and all who loved him.

I STILL miss the morning show and waking up with Jim Ed Poole; one very special birthday he managed to find the Casey Jones birthday song for me :) He helped me proudly define myself as a GEEZER. Tom Keith will be missed on PHC by so many radio fans. Isn't it wonderful to have him memorialized on the PHC film.

Captain Billy will sail no more. Larry Kyle will never invent another interesting vegetable. Tom was a joy to listen to. God bless.

I know the proper name is Tom, but to me, he will always be Jim Ed Poole, even when I saw the PHC shows. He unknowingly became a friend, who could make me laugh as I readied for work, while listening to The Morning Show through its many outstanding years. Together with Dale Connelly, the two provided great dialogue, music, skits, which I still desparately miss!
My deepest sympathy to his family, his friends and colleagues, and ALL his fans. Cathy Corrigan, St. Paul, MN

Tom Keith, as Jim Ed Pool was my constant drive time morning companion through nursing school, years as a nurse in Duluth, the Iron Range and finally in Winona. He made me laugh along with Garrison Keillor and then Dale Connelly all those years, sometimes so hard I had to pull over to laugh. He will be greatly missed but will remain in our memories.

Until you actually saw him in action, you could not fully appreciate his talent and how he deleivered his craft. We were fortunate enough to see him at two live shows. Our thoughts and prayers are with all his "families."

In 1991, American Radio Company had resumed broadcasting from the World Theater. A sound effects contest was announced and after a taped audition, I was one of two lucky participants. Tom was more cordial than he had any right to be and spent much of his time offstage with us. It was marvelous to be onstage at the World Theater with Mr. Keillor and Mr. Keith. Ironically, I had learned many of the vocal effects used by watching Fred Newman on David Letterman's show and reading his book in the early eighties. Tom's other great talent was his corp of character voices. Sometimes several in one script alone, all unique and with his gentle comedic twist. He will be greatly missed, but I'm so glad I was able to see him perform and see him up close a few times.

I still miss hearing Tom Keith (Jim Ed) on The Morning Show! Such a great sense of humor and such a kind and real person. This is a huge loss for all of us who he made laugh. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

We saw the PHC live in the Springs Saturday, and marvelled at the animation Tom added to his sound effects. A consummate showman, he obviously had great fun and loved his work. He will be missed, and fonfly remembered.

I got hooked on the Morning Show 25 years ago. The fake ads, the songs, the character of Jim Ed had me hooked from the beginning. The show taught me to appreciate different types of music, so much so that I quit listening to Top 40 stuff. A friend tried to set me up on a blind date with Tom Keith due to my love of his character, but I was too shy. My loss.

What an amazing, talented man. I mourn for those who will never experience his abilities. I am lucky to have memories of his work. He died way too young.

My condolences to his family and to his MPR family.

How I have missed "Mr. sports Mr. action Mr, Jim Ed Poole". Tom Keith & Dale Connely started my day with a smile for so many years. Thank you Jim Ed, you made a difference.

I've followed Tom in all his MPR endeavors since 1978 when I moved here, had the pleasure of meeting him a few times, and am truly saddened by his passing. Don't know what I'll do without him but will think of him every time I listen to PHC.

Thanks for helping to make my morning commutes tolerable, even enjoyable, for so many years.

When we moved back to the Twin Cities in 1997, one of the joys of being back in Minnesota was The Morning Show. As it came to an end, we were at the Fitz to say goodbye to Dale and Tom because they had become part of our family ritual in the morning. Tom was one-of-a-kind and we will miss hearing him on PHC. I'm sure the angels are entertained today!

It wouldn't have been the Morning Show without Jim Ed. I am saddened by his sudden death and the radio waves are diminished by his passing.

I became aware of Mr. Keith back in high school because my father listened religiously to PHC every weekend. I became his fan as a newlywed living in Iowa because of (weirdly) "Buster the Show Dog" and (not as surprisingly) Maurice at the Cafe Boeuf. The sound and image in my head yesterday as I read the news of Mr. Keith's death, were footsteps fading in the distance, just the way I'd seen him do it on stage with two shoes in hand. I hope Mr. Keith's family, friends, and colleagues can take some small comfort in thinking of all the chuckles and guffaws he prompted for all of us. What a gift.

A shocking loss and a sad time but what a legacy he left that will remain. Wit as sharp as a razor and effects that were close enough to be believed, apparent enough to be funny and always hard to imagine. He had a sense for sound and music that pressed through to the soul of the listener. For those listeners, the Morning Show with Dale and Jim Ed will remain without precedent or successor. I remember the early days when either Dale or Tom would caution during the fund drives that phones would be available in a few minutes because the 25 phone bank was full. I believe that he will be remembered and missed by every single one that ever called.

I moved to Minnesota 14 years ago today. Tom Keith was my introduction to life in the Twin Cities. His sense of humor and musical selections on the Morning Show helped me adjust to my new life. I soon became an MPR member and started to collect the Keepers CDs. It wasna€™t long before I became a sustainer, first for the Morning Show, then for the Current, and then for Radio Heartland. Even though I have been unemployed for some time now, I cannot quit my membership because Tom Keith taught me how important it is to have public radio. Thank you, Tom, for your wit and wisdom and all the wonderful moments innbetween.

How very sad to hear about Tom Keith. His sounds effects were a big part of why I so much love the show. And, as Maurice the maA�tre d' at the CafA� Boeuf, he would also brings laughs to our house. He will be missed. Sincere condolences to his family and to his family at APHC.

Two of my favorite memories involve Cathy, my first friend in Minnesota who now lives in New Mexico. We both worked in a lab and loved Mr. Science. The tagline as I remember it was "Mr. Science, he knows more than you do. He has a Master's degree in Science ". Cathy was here visiting during the state fair and we went to the see the Morning Show on the first Friday. While there she told me that on her 30th birthday (Dec 1983), Jim Ed Poole and Garrison Keillor sang Happy Birthday to her at the request of her sister. We shared the story with Tom after the show at the Fair and took pictures to commemorate the moment.
I have listened to the Morning Show every day since the Current started. I loved the gentle humor and offbeat musical choices of Dale and Jim Ed.
Thanks for the memories.
Gail from St. Paul

Tom Keith's voice and impresssions are those of a great artist. His work on Prairie Home Companion offered the rarest of gifts to us all-- a chance to laugh and relax and just enjoy while we listened from our homes. His many years of sharing with us all are greatly appreciately and will be deeply missed. My sincere condolences to his family--we all share your loss.

I am old enough to remember Tom as Jim Ed Poole, the flying center fielder for the Lake Woebegone Whippets. In the olden days, Jim Ed lived in St. Paul in the Hotel Transom with his attack chicken Curtis. I will always remember his voice, his sound affects, and his wonderful humor. Thanks fot the memories Tom!

My deepest sympathies to all Tom's friends and family and I remember working w/Tom and his idol Bill Elliott on the same stage of American Radio Company of the Air. He will be missed, but I will always remember his great sense of humor and his ability to have fun.

While I'm still a faithful fan of MPR/The Current morning shows, mornings without Jim Ed are just not the same. His humor was marked with wisdom. After I was done laughing my head off, I always had thoughts to ponder and would sometimes replay the bit just to hear the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) statement dressed as a joke. ("Lipstick on a pig" made me laugh until I cried) Thanks, Tom, for the gifts you leave behind, recorded for prosperity. Heartfelt condolences to your family and all of us who will miss your amazing talents.

With sadness today I found out about the passing of Tom. He enriched the lives of so many people. His humor, warmth and gentleness will be sorely missed.
My thoughts are with his family.
Bill Staines

I started listening to MPR because of the Morning Show and have countless fond memories of his many funny and silly characters. So sad to hear about his passing.

Searching for an "alternative" to the kind of radio morning shows popular with the kids nowadays... I found a home in The Morning Show with 'Jim' and Tom. It was an honest broadcast - no gimmicks or shock - and a welcome way to start the day. Soothing voices, pleasant humor and excellent travel companions in the car before having the first cup of coffee at work.

I appreciate most about Tom Keith the art form that he contributed to A Prairie Home Companion. Growing up on The Bugs Bunny Road Runner Hour, hearing the sound effects was just as funny as the action on the screen. Hearing Tom over the airwaves elicited plenty of laughs and smiles and made the mental picture of the action complete.

I'm happy to have experienced Tom Keith. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

My husband & I feel as though we've lost a friend of many years. We've listened to Tom throughout his career on radio, starting when he began as Garrison Keillor's companion on the morning radio show, then with Dale Connelly, and as the sound effects guy on PHC. We have missed hearing him each morning since the Morning Show's demise, but enjoyed the times he would do the sound effects on PHC now and then. We will really miss him now! MPR staff are like family to us, & we have lost one of our family. Please accept our condolences to his family and his friends.

After having had breakfast with "Jim Ed Poole" and Dale Connelly for so many years, I feel as though Tom was my friend. A man of great talent whose life has been cut much too short. Rest in peace, Tom.

I used to walk my dogs and listen the morning show religiously. It helped make the walks, especially in the winter mornings go so much better . The songs and laughter were such a positive way to end my day. I was really sad when it ended, but now, all of my dogs and now Tom has passed away. Oh my. I was really sad yesterday but so grateful to MPR for the archives and the Current for replaying. It gave me a chance to laugh and remember. Of course I have some of the Morning show song CD's and that helps too. He Tom-is one a a kind. Half the reason (sorry Garrison) I listen to Prairie Home companion. It's going to leave allot of silence on that show. Sound effects will never be the same. Best wishes to his family and thank you for allowing him to share his great talents with all of us.

A memorable golf game with him and Garison in Mendota Heights on a Monday off back in 1980.....

Tom and his performances on "The Morning Show" is one of the main reasons that I started listening to MPR. What a great talent and sincere radio personality.

This is like when Mel Blanc died: along with him died Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, Tweety & Sylvester, Elmer Fudd, on and on. Along with Tom (Jim Ed), we lost Captain Billy, Bubby Spamden, Dr. Larry Kyle, Bud Buck, Maurice, on and on. I cracked up hearing him do his "exclusive" reporting of scores as "Poole on Sports," when you could hear the sports section of the newspaper from which he was reading aloud crackling in the background. He brought much joy into the lives of many who he never met but who feel they have lost a personal friend.

This is like when Mel Blanc died: along with him died Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, Tweety & Sylvester, Elmer Fudd, on and on. Along with Tom (Jim Ed), we lost Captain Billy, Bubby Spamden, Dr. Larry Kyle, Bud Buck, Maurice, on and on. I cracked up hearing him do his "exclusive" reporting of scores as "Poole on Sports," when you could hear the sports section of the newspaper from which he was reading aloud crackling in the background. He brought much joy into the lives of many who he never met but who feel they have lost a personal friend.

Tom and I went to the same high school and we had some mutual friends. I've played golf with him a number of times. He was a very good athlete. I am shocked that he passed.

I've been a PHC listener almost from the beginning of the show. I've always loved and enjoyed the many, many great sound effects that Tom did, and the characters he played. I got such a kick out of the "effect offs" that he and Garrison did, when Garrison would reel off all kinds of sounds, and Tom would somehow make them all happen. What a huge loss for PHC, and for those of us who love it. Consider yourselves hugged.

So saddened to learn this. A true artist is gone. My thoughts are with his and the PHC family. Thanks for all the joy Tom.

I'm so sorry to hear about Tom's death. He was a part of my mornings for decades. I first remember him when he and Garrison had that morning show back in the late seventies and then when he was on The Morning Show. After his retirement, his appearances on PHC would reconnect me with all my years of enjoying listening to him -- his sports reports (including Lake Wobegon Whippets scores), his characters (Dr. Kyle, Bubby and many more) and, of course, his sound effects. He was able to connect with me through the radio and I feel like I have lost a friend. Thanks, Tom, for bringing joy, serenity and laughter to my life.

your will be greatly missed

my prayers are with the family

So sorry for your loss...

I met Mr. Keith when APHC came to Ithaca once. I told him how much I enjoyed his work on the show. He told me that he did his dog barks by inhaling. That was a charming little revelation from a master of sound effects.

Tom was Brilliant ! He was a joy to watch if you had the pleasure of seeing him in action, magical on the radio, so so talented....My condolences to his family and to all his many Radio fans/friends!! God Bless you Tom !!

I really miss hearing Tom's (aka Jim Ed) voice in the morning. He always brought a smile to my lips on the way to work. I especially remember "Worldly Goods" and Bubby Spamden. My sympathies to his family. We will all miss him!

We were so saddened to hear the news about Tom this morning from our daughter. The Morning Show was a fixture in our household for many years and Jim Ed was considered another member of the family. He was a class act. Condolences to the family.

When I first moved to the area, and had a challenging job and long commute, I enjoyed the Morning Show. On Fridays, I would sing along with the Sons of the Pioneers, and laugh at Captain Billy, which set me in the right frame of mind for that last day before the weekend. You were loved by millions, Mr. Sports, Mr. Action, Mr. Jim Ed Poole. Thanks for making morning commutes better.

Dale & Jim Ed were such good companions - no matter what was going on, happy or sad, in my life, they were one constant I could count on.

I remember one time a guest on the show slipped & called Jim Ed "Tom" - I was a little confused, but it didn't seem significant. The next time I heard PHC, I noticed there was a guy named Tom on the show. I put it together, and I felt special being on the inside of this secret knowledge!

As a member of MPR since early 1973 we have many memories of tom. the earliest was on the morning show with GK. Gk was musing about a speech given by Stonewall Jackson, he couldnt remember the lines. My husband who was shaving at the time, quoted the speech. I called MPR by phone and Tom answered, "hello?" i couldn't believe it they were live on air, but no one else was working at that hour.Tom yelled over to Garrison, "strike the tents and go across the river to rest." I can't imagine what sound effects Tom would have added-but Tom, go across the river and rest, we miss you already.

What incredibly shocking sad news. Was always hoping for a Morning Show reunion, craving Tom Keith's voice and amazing humor. Only silence now.

Please call Tom Keith a 'Former' Marine! There is nothine and no one who ia an 'ex' Marine!
Semper Fi, Brother, Thanks for The many fine hours you have given us.
Rest in Peace!

You will be missed greatly. The loss of the Morning Show is compounded and eclipsed by your passing. I always listened on the morning commute and often sat in the car waiting until Dale and Jim Ed completed one of their hilarious skits before heading in to work. Thanks for all the wonderful memories. Condolences to your family and friends.

I started listening to Jim Ed when the Morning Show first began broadcasting. I always enjoyed the humor which was made "real" by the sound effects added by Jim Ed. May he now RIP with Cap'n Billy and all the other voices.

We always remember our wedding anniversary about a dozen years ago when Jim Ed and Dale along with others performed "MALLARDS" which is male attention learning listening and retention deficit syndrome. We taped it and periodically listen to it. My kids loved it and we really cherish the memory. We now have over 28 years under our belt with 3 kids. We miss the Morning Show and Dale and Jim Ed. We are very sad about the loss of Tom Keith.

Condolences to Tom Keiths family, sad news.
My daughter just turned 19 -Many birthdays started with "Jim Ed" and Dale creating a surprise of music and happy, clever birthday wishes. We love and will miss Mr. Keith and his spot on energy and sound effects. Thank you for sharing your fun with us.

When my mother emailed me the news that Jim Ed was no longer in this world, I understood why the world felt a bit dimmer. A bit of light had gone out of the world. Tears are in my eyes as I write this. I sense again the loss I felt as I sat in the overflow crowd in the church, listening to the final broadcast, and the quiet sing along to "You are My Sunshine" as we realized our world had changed and there would be no more Morning Show. That song was the true eulogy for the show.
Tom made us laugh and smile, giggle, even guffaw at times. We knew about his moonlighting job at the Fitzgerald, but understood sometimes you had to do what you had to do to pay the bills. But we knew that his real job was to ease us into the reality of each day, and make the morning a little less painful.
Today I will raise my 25 year commemorative mug as I drink my cup of coffee in memory of a dear friend and boon companion, and wipe away a few tears as I remember him fondly. Thank you, MPR, for the gift you gave us all by sharing Jim Ed and Tom Keith with us.

I started listening to the morning show after moving here in 92 from NY, where I listened to Garrison Keillor's American Radio Company show. I listened to the Morning show every morning during my 30min commute, it was thee best way to start my day. Thank you and you will be missed.

On one the earliest Morning Shows with Garrison Keillor, I remember a bit when Garrison is telling Jim Ed that Anne Murray and Andy Williams had stopped by the day before and Jim Ed had missed them. Jim Ed was so funny how he quietly expressed his horror at not being in the studio that day to see Anne Murray and Andy Williams.

I listened to the Morning Show from the 80's on and still miss it now. My condolences to Tom Keith's family and friends.

It was the peak of my morning to drive to work and listen to the Morning Show. No brash noise, just great conversation and music I would never have heard except for Jim Ed Poole and Dale. I wish I could have thanked Tom in person but I thanked him to the radio every day.

Very, very, very sad. "Ain't that right boys?"

I've spent a good deal of my adult life listening to The Morning Show, and I still miss it greatly. As a teacher, I shared many of the songs, poems and stories that I heard on the show with my students. Dale Connelly & Jim Ed Poole always felt like sweet, comfortable friends in the morning, though I never met them personally. And, of course, Tom Keith's presence on A Prairie Home Companion was always such an important part of the show. I am deeply saddened by his passing.

I began listening to Garrison's Prairie Home Morning Show in the winter of 1970-71 when I started at the U of M. Jack's warm car service rooutines still live in my brain. When Jim Ed Poole joined him within a couple years, and then stayed, the show was irresistible. I listened as much as I could, as long as I could, every morning. Except for a year working out of state in the mid-70's, I listened every morning, made my kids listen at home and in the car - so many laughs from Tom Keith.
Since my last name is Thomas, of course I got a kick out of Nephew Thomas, Radio Daredevil. How many more characters can one name? Bathroom Safety officer Rafferty, Buddy the Bear, it's mind-boggling. I felt sad for quite a few mornings when the boys and the morning show went off the air - forced to listen to the news instead of fabulous music leavened by intelligent mirth, I've adjusted. I could still hear Tom on the "big" show on Saturdays. Tom by himself, and when with Dale Connelly, they are a unique team in radio's history. We hardly realize how privileged we have been to have luxuriated in their brilliance. Thanks to Tom for the enduring pleasure he has given to me and to all of us who knew.

such an important moart of my late adolescnece was spent listening to jim ed poole and dale getting ready for school and driving myself to school. I tried to attend the final preformance of the morning show but ended up watching on live feed at the over flow seating in the church. it was such a loved show and jim ed (Tom kieth) was so loved. i miss the show even today, and will always think of the happiness he brought me

I have been a lucky man to have heard and enjoyed the work of Mr. Tom Keith. All the laughs and smiles---I feel I have lost a friend. Thanks, Tom.

Our hearts go out to Tom Keith's family, and his PHC family as well. He's irreplaceable. What a unique talent.

I listened to the Morning Show for many years, and came to hear it at the Fair live at least twice. It was a staple, something to be depended on, something that was always there. I remember thinking that I could never move out of state, because how would I hear the Morning Show then?

I loved Jim Ed/Mr. Keith for his down-home friendliness on the radio and his astounding talent. All those characters he brought to life entertained me for so many mornings. I remember that once I almost drove off the road from laughing, the first time I heard about the Mouth Pigeons. And there was the guy from Genentech. And so many more.

Jim Ed and Dale, with their humor and wonderful music, got me out of bed and moving on so many dark mornings when I was suffering from deep depression. They made things look brighter, at least for the time they were on the air. That is a real achievement.

I am so sorry that Mr. Keith has died. MPR is the poorer for it, and so am I. The world is diminished because he is no longer in it. My condolences to his family and friends.

Farewell, Jim Ed. Godspeed as you take that tumbleweed-laden trail toward the sunset. Radio will not see your like again.

For many, many years I have marveled at and been delighted by Mr. Keith's talent and inventiveness. I am very sad to hear of his passing and I send my condolences to his family.

I only met Tom on Thursday, October 27th, 2011 at St. Olaf College when he was speaking about his life on radio with Dale Connelly. I was touched deeply by his humor and will always remember his sound effects for Praire Home Companion. His voice on the radio will be missed.

I grew up listening to the Morning Show each and every day as my Mom drove me to school in St. Cloud, MN. I would make her wait until "Mr. Sports, Mr. Action, Mr. Jim Ed Poole" would come on the air before getting out of the car. It was the only part of the Morning Show that I (would admit that I) liked as a teenage boy.

I wish peace to Tom's family.
Tom was a very beloved voice through all of the years of the Morning Show. Most of all, Tom preserved a big part of radio history by performing studio sound affects. Tom was actually one of few to posess and actively use on air the historic tools of the classic radio production booth.
God bless my history hero!

does this mean that jim ed and dale will never be back on the air... i had hoped that with a change of management someone would realize what a terrible mistake had been made... can't believe he is gone...

One of my first discoveries upon moving to Minnesota in 2001 was The Morning Show. I was immediately hooked. I adored "Jim Ed Poole" and his wonderful characters--Captain Billy; Buffy(?) Spamden, the perennial sophomore at Wendell Wilkie High; and many others. He even played a request for me on my birthday one year. I was crushed when The Morning Show went off the air. Now I am saddened again that I won't be able to hear Tom Keith's characters on PHC. Thanks for everything, Tom.

My sympathies to Tom's family--both real and radio. I've been listening to PHC since the late 70's, and spent countless Saturday evenings wondering "how did he do that?" Tom cracked my kids up constantly and my boy was one of those who tried to pick up the most disgusting of the sounds Tom created. My favorite moments were when Garrison challenged him with rapid-fire requests--Tom never missed one. Rest well, Tom. (I imagine Tom and Mel Blanc riffing up in heaven's comedy corner).

The Morning Show brightened my day for so many years, and as I walked by MPR today, I stopped mid-step when I saw the news of his death streaming across the news banner. Tom Keith brought radio to life and life to radio. Thank you.

"Mr. Sports, Mr. Action, Mr. Jim Ed Poole" is the voice of much of my childhood and mornings on the weekends spent listening to NPR with the family.

Always enjoyed his work through the years; he was special and we knew it;
The news of his passing brings the tears; Thoughts and prayers to Tom's loved ones.

To a childhood friend I never met; to a companion on so many chilly winter mornings as the Prairie Sun Climbs Out of the Hay; to a reminder of the pleasure of human showmanship; to a true blue Minnesotan, happy trails.

Tom was a kind and good-spirited man. I'll miss him and the genuine warmth he radiated in even the smallest, briefest interactions.

I listened to Mr. Sports, Mr. Action, Mr. Jim Ed Poole on the Current morning show on my way to school all four years he was there--up through my sophmore year of high school when he retired. I'm a freshman in college now, and deeply saddened by the loss of a magnificent radio personality, and all around great man. Rest in Peace, old friend.

Oh my, oh my... we will miss him so much! I was a latecomer to The Morning Show but once hearing it I was totally hooked and miss it still. Now to have Tom Keith gone from this life and PHC is too sad. What a talented and delightful man. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends and all of us fans. I'm grateful to have laughed with Tom Keith and to have marveled at his talent.

For more than 20 years "Jim Ed Poole" was my companion to work every morning. He made every day a good day, rain or shine, easy or hard, sad or happy, you could always count on him to bring a smile to your face and more than a few times a LOL. He was the perfect foil for Dale and made Dale's skits come alive. It was a very sad day when the Morning Show ceased to exist, but no where as sad as the day we lost a wonderful person and a dear friend. If a life well lived is marked by the number of people you helped to have a better life, Tom Keith lived his life extremely well. Thank you Tom we will all miss you. Steve Mahle

I play violin with the Jerry Rau Band and have several amazing memories playing on the morning show. Jim Ed Poole was always a friendly and calming presence. I feel absolutely honored to have known him. He will be missed, and all the happy memories cherished.

Our condolences to you, his close friends.We share your loss.

One of my clearest memories of childhood is sitting in the backseat of my dad's car listening to Dale and Jim Ed in the morning. They were an essential part of my day, every day. The Morning Show was also one of the impetus' for my career choice - I credit the "Ask Dr. Science" sketches with inspiring my interest in science - making me feel like it was something more than the boring textbook that we looked at in school.

Tom met with my students when they were working on a Destination ImagiNation project about sound effects. He graciously stayed after a late Friday night Prairie Home show to meet with them and give them lots of insights and pointers.

Tom Keith was a remarkable, wonderful man who made my life better in so many ways. He has been a hero in my life for many years. Today, when I heard that he had died, I broke down in tears in front of my students. Tom Keith is well worth the tears.

I worked with Tom about 40 years ago at Green Bay YMCA Camp U-Nah-Li-Ya. We were in our early 20's then. I will never forget his fabulous skits: the baseball skit, the lady taking a bath, the guy finding a hair in his soup. I laugh yet today at the memories of those times spent with the funniest man I've known. I just wish I could see one more live performance. Rest in peace, Tom.

I remember when I first differentiated that there were two sound effects men. I was listening to a recording of an old show and during one episode when they both had a buzz-off and tried to out perform the other, for the radio of course.
Both Tom and Fred performed fantastically. Then in the final round Tom was disqualified because it was discovered he was hiding a chicken up his pant leg. I laughed so hard I think I cried. Even thinking about it now brings a smile to my face. I think I'm going to find that and listen to it.
RIP Mr. Keith. You will be missed.

There are few memories that I still cherish everyday in Pre-current era.
Dale and Jim Ed always do there shows during State Fair. During that they will let audience participate kind of hide and seek segment. They tell where particular person is and audience has to find them. Everytime I visit State Fair last few years, it reminded me of their shows. I really miss those moment even though I listen The Current every morning.
Also, I really miss Dale and Jim Ed's silly skit. Few skits that I remember is fake car/truck commercial. It is super silly and gave me chuckle everytime I think of it.

I am going to really miss Jim Ed... I am really sorry to hear that MPR lost one of greatest man...

Best regards,

Shigeru Shimizu

Tom/Jim Ed and Dale were such a part of our family's life for so many years that they feel like family members. The joy, the laughter, the love that they shared with their grace and wit are indelible in my memory. They reached out to listeners in such a personal way: when my surprisingly large baby was born in 1984, I was treated to a very special song, "Sixteen Tons," and felt cared for by two special guys who never saw my face.

It's hard to believe it's still Minnesota with Tom gone. Heartfelt sympathy to Dale and all who knew, loved and worked with him all those years. There will never be another like him. Rest in the knowledge that you will not be forgotten, Tom. I will never think of attack chickens, genetically altered foodstuffs, pirate captains, clumsy stunt daredevils and a host of other wonderfully weird things without also thinking of you.

This is just to express my condolences. I have been listening to PHC since 1997 (when I moved to Chicago from Mexico to study). Since then the show has been such an important (essential!) part of my life. I am sorry the PHC crew (and we listeners) will miss Tom. My sympathies to his family. Que descanse en paz.

I met Tom 40 years ago when he and a friend arrived to take my roommate and me out for a canoe ride. Tom launced into a "fish out of water" routine that made me wonder who in the world we were going out with. As the years went on, I realized we'd had a sneak preview of a man who could imitate more that gaping fish. I was in awe of all the sounds he could produce on the show. Now, who in the world can ever imitate Tom?

I have been listening to A Prairie Home Companion since my college days in the 70's and I have been an MPR listener for most of the last 30 years.

When I was forced down South by my family due to a job loss, it was the antics and stories of A Prairie Home Companion that eased my homesickness for the Midwest. I could listen to the webcast and feel like I was home again in Minnesota.

The plethora of sound effects Tom produced is extraordinary and the show will not be the same without him. How do you replace a person like Tom Keith? You can't. That's all there is to it.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and to the cast and crew of A Prairie Home Companion. He will be sorely missed and very fondly remembered by this MPR listener.

the opposite of 15 minutes of fame

I am lucky to see Mr. Keith performing for PHC twice this Autumn. He was an amazing performer--I marveled at his sound effects and understated manner. I will miss not hearing him on the radio. Condolences to his family.

What a wonderful talent. He brought much pleasure to this listener over the many years.

I grew up listening to Jim Ed and Dale. He was like a member of the family. When I turned thirteen I had a birthday request honored. It included a faux-Shakespeare skit starring Tom Keith. What a talent!

I had the honor of calling Tom a colleague in the late 80s/early 90s for a few years of ridiculously early mornings. ALWAYS a gentleman and pleasure to work with, even at 4:30 AM. Miss you, Tom.

Since moving to the Twin Cities in 1976 I have enjoyed the voice and sound effects of Tom Keith on the radio and on stage at the Fitzgerald Theater. He will be greatly missed in my home.

For many years we listened to Tom Keith on The Morning Show and would remark about the variety of music, skits, etc., on the show. We often asked: "Where else but with those two guys would you ever hear the wonderful, eclectic choice of music and artists if it weren't for that show?" We have never heard it since and doubt we ever will. Tom's skits with Dale about the "Intimida" -- when the giant SUV's first came out -- were priceles, as were every crazy skit they went into. What talent! Can't believe he's gone at such a young age. Rest in Peace, Tom.

I was stunned when I heard the news of Tom's passing. As soon as I heard his voice in the reporters story, my memories of the joy and laughter he shared with the audiences over the years brought a smile to my face. My prayers are with his family and close friends. What a gift he was to our time.

Breakfast and the Morning Show was the one time of day we were always together. The impact on our family was significant. Our kids are spread throughout the country now and sad to hear the news.

Godspeed Jim Ed

We listened to the Morning Show every day for years. We will miss Jim Ed Poole and his great cast of characters.

How very sad. Tom will be missed. I have listened to a Prairie Home Companion for many years and always got a kick out of Garrison having Tom do very difficult sounds and series of sounds.

a little song a little dance a little seltzer down your pants. thank you tom and jim ed

I'm going to miss him. He was a true master of the art, and he brought joy and laughter into our home for decades. My condolences to his family and friends.

There were so many skits from the Morning Show that are memorable, but I found great humor and wit in those that occurred around Thanksgiving. I believe Tom called it Cooking with Walt. He used a blow torch to thaw out the turkey!

Many were the times I laughed until the tears flowed. Garrison would come up with ever stranger and crazier stories, and Tom never failed to make the sound effects meet the challenge. I always wondered how much of that was rehearsed or ad-libbed. Tom's genius will be missed.

After spending many Saturday Nights being entertained by Tom Keith and the APHC gang, I'm going to miss him and the many laughs Tom provided. Tom will be missed here in NH.

The sound effects that he made were absolutely amazing. I loved how he & Dale Connely did the sports scores. Of all the characters that he did, I liked Captain Billy the best. ARGGH!!! Thanks for all the laughs on my morning drive to work while I listened to the Morning Show.

Tom Keith enriched my life every morning that I heard him on The Morning Show - to which I tuned in just about every morning that the show was on the air.

Jim Ed Poole, with Garrison and Dale Connelly, provided unforgettable moments and music that are the DNA of MPR. He tickled our fancy with his characterizations -- Cap'n Billy, GenWay foods, and so much more. My thoughts are with his family in their loss.

The Morning Show played for me and my family through much of our young adult and mid-life. I protested your move from Classical, and The Current. I was there at 4:30 am for final broadcast...because you made us smile--made us feel that whatever the troubles in life, music and gentle humor could soothe the soul.

Thank you so much for the music and the gentle, daily reminder that life if good.

Jane

I saw the last Morning Show at the Fitzgerald. I cried when it ended. I plan to listen to Morning Show Favorites CDs again tonight. I'm sure I will cry again just remembering all of times I woke so happily to Jim Ed and Dale. What a neat man.

When we moved to MN 17 years ago, the Morning Show quickly became my favorite MPR program. I loved all of Tom's personas. What a talent. I had listened to APHC for years before moving to MN and how fun it was to finally get to go to the show and see Tom in action. But my highlight will always be last May when my college bell choir played on APHC. When it was time to take bows, Tom grabbed my hand and on to the stage we went. I told the students I wasn't going to wash that hand for a long time. Tom, you will be missed. You blessed so many lives with your talent. Sending prayers to his family and the APHC family.

In the fall of 2000, I was back at home, living with my parents in St. Cloud, but wrapping up my undergraduate in Theatre at the University of Minnesota with a daily commute between St. Cloud and Minneapolis. I fondly remember those chilly autumn mornings driving down Highway 10; my fondness due in great part of Dale and Jim Ed, easing me into my day with whimsy and wit. I missed them, when in 2001, I moved away from Minnesota.

Tom Keith, your art was a great gift that I'll never forget. Thank you for the smiles.

It makes the time I got to see the show in St. Paul bit sweeter of a memory, because I got to see one of the masters at work live, the same way people talk about seeing Joe DiMaggio playing baseball. With the way radio is going now he was a last of his breed. My thoughts are with his family and co-workers. Bless you all.

A lovely genius, to be sure. Tom was part of a wonderful team and so gifted. He will be sorely missed. Very sorry for the family's great loss. Our love, prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Leslie (((hugs)))

It is funny really and maybe a tribute to Toma€™s incredible radio talent however I had never seen his face before this evening.

To me he was a chainsaw (that would not start), a helicopter, an angry raccoon or goat, a horse, a gunshot, a strangling man and about a thousand or more incredible sound effects I have heard since I started listening to APC back in 1990.

He was great at what he did a€" >>but<< when things went off track on a script - on the stage or studio of APCa€�this is when his natural and professional brilliance soared. I remember many times when the guest actors wandered away from the script and Mr. Keith came in with some sort of sound that heaved the audience (and me) into gales of from the gut laughter.

I offer my very best regards and my most heartfelt sympathy to Mr. Keitha€™s family and also to his much larger family at MPR and NPR.

SmH

What a talented man! You gave listeners hours of pleasure, and may God bless your family and friends. I still miss your morning routines. You certainly foind your niche in life.

Tom and I grew up in West St Paul and went to Sibley HS and the U of M at the same time. We played intramural hockey--the Kremepuffs--boy we were terrible but sure had fun and a lot of laughs--the morning show was the best of times--talked to him at last month's open house and he hammed it up for a picture of us on the phc porch. He will be greatly missed, but remembered fondly.

What a sad loss for his family and many fans around the country. I thoroughly enjoyed him on PHC and the MPR Morning Show for many years. He was one in a million.

A generation of listeners, age one to one hundred were saddened when "The Morning Show" ended. Our son grew up listening to Jim Ed Poole as Capt Billy, Tony Bennett, and the crazy scientist with living toast and scary vegetables at the grocery store. Tom Keith will be missed. It's a sad day for all of us.

I grew up listening to Tom Keith on PHC starting in 1985 when my parents would turn it on while driving. My sister and I (one years old and 3 years old at the time) would fall asleep to the show. As the years passed, Tom became a source of non-stop giggles for my sister and me as we listened to his bits. I am 29 now, and I still would crack up at his impressions and sounds while listening to it. I got to see him in action in 1998 when I was 15 and the show stopped in Atlanta. I am glad that I got to include my husband on this wonderful talent when I introduced him to the show when we were in college. Thank you, Tom for being a part of my life for the last 26 years. I am grateful to have gotten to witness your amazing talent in person and on the radio. Rest in peace.

Tom,

Thanks for all the wonderful memories!

We will miss you!

Such sad news. He had an amazing talent.It will be difficult to fill his shoes! My thoughts are with his family...and "radio family". Take care

I listened to the Morning Show from the mid 70's until its demise and loved everything Tom did as he worked with both Garrison and Dale. How sad that he is no longer with us to make us laugh at his characters and hilarious sound effects.

I am so sad to hear of Tom's passing. I fondly remember him doing the sports on the morning show when I was living in South Dakota (1978-85). What a talent. My sorrows to everyone on and involved with PHC. We have all lost a wonderful sole.

What I remember, along with all the goofy voices and wonderful sound effects, were the days he'd DJ solo on the Morning Show. Dale would be off, and Jim Ed/Tom Keith had free reign to play what he liked. Often he'd sneak in some Puccini - and the sound of delight in his voice. That "I'm doing something I maybe shouldn't ought to but gosh it's fun" sound of a kid who just stole a cookie from a candy jar. And such genuine joy in what he did. I have missed his voice in my mornings. Safe journeys Mr. Sports, Mr. Action, Mr. Jim Ed Poole - yours was a life well lived. And peace and comfort to his family and friends.

I knew Tom's voice (rather, voices) long before I ever say an image of him. As a long-time listener and fan of APHC, I grew up listening to the show and was always baffled, impressed, and entertained by Tom's versatility and repertoire. Only two weeks ago we finally made the journey to St. Paul to see a live broadcast from the Fitzgerald, something I'd been wanting to do for years. It was worth the trip.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Tom's family and friends. The world, and especially APHC, will never be the same without him.

Tom Keith is irreplaceable. So sorry to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace with Dusty and Lefty carrying him off into the sunset over Lake Woebegon.

I listened to the Mr. Keith on the morning show when I lived/worked in Minnesota in the late 80s/early 90s. I LOVED the quirky music and banter, and I think getting up on those cold, dark Minnesota mornings would have been quite depressing were it not for Dale and Jim Ed. They always put a smile on my face, and made every day just a little bit more fun. When we moved, I taped as many shows as possible, so when I could no longer get the show live, I could at least listen to my tapes. I've passed along some of my favoritse from the show to my kids, and they love them as much as I do. I have also enjoyed listening to Mr. Keith on Prairie Home Companion. We are so very sorry to hear of his passing. He was one of a kind, and I want say thanks for all the smiles and laughs.

We loved to try to get on the stage from the rush line...and Tom was so much fun to watch! We will really miss his special charm.

I loved the Morning Show! It made my early morning commute bearable as I drove into Saint Cloud for clinicals with St Ben's nursing students. I remeber them saying that The Morning Show was a lot like getting up in the morning - it started out rough, but got better the longer it went on.

We never met, but I felt I knew Tom Keith so well. Thank you for my guffaws whenever I had the chance to see you working your "special" effects to the hundreds and hundreds of smiles you put on my face. Truly this (number of smiles) is the measure of a VERY successful life.

Tom Keith truly was one of my favorite people. He was always great to talk to and to listen to on the radio and over the back yard fence. He was my neighbor for 8 years in West Saint Paul. My wife and kids were fortunate to see him perform live, what a treat. I love and miss him deeply.

Listening to Jim Ed and Dale on WCAL was one of the reasons I moved to Minnesota.

Any place that has people that wonderful on the air at 5am is a place I want to be.

Ji Jiang Bosal to Jim Ed and Kwan Se Um Bosal to his family, friends, and the MPR family.

I just heard the news today while driving my car. My reaction was the same when I heard the sad news while driving my car when hearing about the death of Sen Paul Wellstone. I had to pull over as I was crying so hard my tears made my vision blurry. I just was on stage with him at the Meat Loaf Supper this fall and I was in the front row at the Fitzgerald Theater when they did their last show. I went downtown St. Paul that morning at 4 a.m. to get in line so that I could get a seat. I am terribly saddened and send my love to his family. He brought joy to my life for so so many years. A Prairie Home will not be the same.

I am so sad that Tom has passed on.... I always smiled with joy when he would read the weather from Sun Valley.

When I first appeared as a guest on A Prairie Home Morning Show in the mid 70s, I was greeted at the door of the old Park Square Studios on a sub-zero morning, handed a cup of coffee and made to feel welcome. I came to know Tom over the years amid my various associations with that show and PHC in its early years. I always valued Tom/JimEd's calm sense of artistic skill coupled with handling the day to day duties of engineering, answering phones and making sure the coffee pot was not boiling dry. He learned much from his radio-dad, "Pop Wiggins" and brought so much of that knowledge to PHC. He was the ultimate sidekick, in a league with Gabby Hayes , Ed Mc Mahon and Jerry Lewis. Rest in Peace, man of many talents. We won't see your like again.

I use to wake up every morning to the morning show and the song about the sun coming up over the hay and starting anouther day. I will remember his voice forever.

My son, Myles, grew up listening to a Prairie Home Companion here in rural Maine. After high school he attended the New England School Of Communication and majored in radio. In 2006 he was the youngest person ever to receive a Maine Association of Broadcasting award. His entry: a station promotion replete with sound effects, a direct result of his years as a fan of Tom Keith. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. We are grateful for the humor and brilliance Tom brought into our lives.

Lynn

After a broadcast from Silver Lake Park my wife and I were talking to Tome Keith (Jim Ed really) trying to remember the names of the hoses that the Lone Ranger and Tonto rode in their radio show. None of us could remember and the conversation moved on and then we parted. A while later, Tom sidles up to us and says "Scout" and walks away. That's how I remember Tom.

My husband and I have long been listeners the Prairie Home Companion programs, through our travels while in the US Air Force. The familiar voices allowed us to feel 'at home' wherever we were, and I want to say how Tom Keith's remarkable sound effects brought those of us listening on radio closer to our own presence in the auditorium. Because of his abilities the stories and vignettes may have been more real for us than those in attendance, as our imaginations were so engaged.
Thank you, Tom, for sharing your talents with us, and I do look forward to your takes on the sounds you find in heaven!

Tom was the BEST sound effects man! Garrison's show was always superb when Tom joined him on stage. We thank Tom for the joy he gave all of us who loved his wonderful performances on Saturday nights. We will miss him terribly. Our most sincere sympathy to his family and friends.

What a wonderful whimsical presence--Tom was a delight to anticipate every Saturday night. I will miss him terribly.

I am crushed, just crushed...
hearing Mr. Keith's voice as Kent the library kid, the kid from the sandwich shop, his leaky faucet,chicken clucking, ship alarm going off, mose/elk/elephant/buffalo/horse/whatever animal....has been part of who I am since 20 years ago. I don't know what to do and what to think...I never met the guy, only saw him on stage at the Bushnell theater many years ago....but he was such important part of who I am...
Is ths a punishment for all the bad things that we have done to this earth? What do we do now???

Mr. Keith, Rest In Peace . I will never be able to thank you for the joy and laughter you brought to my life.

I've grown up on Prairie Home Companion, and I couldn't imagine it without him. After his retirement, Dan really did nearly fill his shoes, but you can't completely replace Tom's 'flavor'. I still enjoy listening to archived shows over and over. At least when we miss him, we can always turn back the clock a little and enjoy his tireless efforts to entertain us.

Bob, I just heard the news of Tom Keith on your news-cut with Mary. You described "you are my sunshine" EXACTLY the way I described it to other people. The audience spontaneously started singing. Of course I could not, I was too choked up. Dale and a€œJim Eda€� were true pros to handle such an emotional show! Oh the characters that Dale concocted and Jim Ed brought to life. It brings smiles to my face just thinking about it. Thanks for the memories Jim Ed and Dale!!!

When I lived in Minnesota in the 90s, I never missed Jim Ed and Dale in the morning. I especially loved the Gen Way Laboratory sketches.

He added joy and a zaniness to the morning with his characters and humor. He and Dale are still missed; they made the day begin on the right note. His talent and contributions to MPR and the Morning Show will be remembered. His passing is a loss for all those persons who loved his persona.

I remember a Morning Show when they had a CD Tom had found in his garden. Someone had just thrown it there. They decided to play it without previewing it. It turned out to be very hard rock, but not so hard you couldn't understand the naughty words. They cut it off midsong.

To anyone with a sense of humor, Tom Keith's talents were immeasurable.

We'll miss you Tom. Gone, but never forgotten.

All through my elementary, middle and high school years, "Jim Ed Poole" was a big part of my morning routine. The fun songs and short stories always helped me start my day with a smile. (Though being the only junior in high school who knew "With Her Head Tucked Underneath Her Arm" was slightly embarrassing when caught singing it in English class). I missed the morning show when I moved away and though I have moved often, I have yet to find one that is even half as fun.

I was so saddened to hear this news. Like so many others, I was a big fan of The Morning Show. I enjoyed his various characters, of course, but even when he was just being himself, hosting the show when Dale was gone for the day, he had such a low-key, insightful manner. He always seemed like someone whom I'd like to know. What a loss for us.

So sad. Such a fine talent. Tom, you will be missed by all of us!

Tom was indeed a "one of a kind" character. His passing brings back to my mind his parents, the "real" James Edward Keith and his mother Betty. They once did a Christmas "Making Rum Balls" skit that was priceless. Tom came by his skill naturally. It was in his genes!

I used to love listening to the 'commercials' on the Morning Show. Tom was so believable with his sound effects--he was the consumate mouth pigeon and so many other charming and hilarious sounds.

Tom was a delight. His skillful vocal impressions were amazing, and as a person and performing colleague he was always kind, gracious, and welcoming. I have all good memories of my times sharing the stage with Tom, and I'm very saddened to hear of his death. My sincere condolences to all who were close to him and will miss him most.

If Tom loved you very much, he might give you a sweet little smile when he saw you. Such understatement. We traveled together in the early touring days of the show and both always remembered one night when we piled out of the bus and stood there staring in awe at the northern lights. He was unfailingly kind, sweet, gracious, and warm. RIP, dear Tom.

When the kids were little, Tom was the reason my husband and I could enjoy A Prairie Home Companion without our daughters' protest. The larger than life sound effects charmed and mesmerized them. As the girls grew, they "got" the show's wit and humor, yet their eyes twinkled and they laughed more because of Tom and his amazing craft. We all did.

Tom and I had overlapping shifts in the Park Square Court days. He was always genuine, friendly, and very, very funny. Though I hadn't seen him in years, he was a part of my early career. Heaven is just a little funnier today.

Thank you for sharing your talents with each one of us. You made me smile so many times, especially during the most difficult times of my life. I thank God for your talent, and that you used that talent to make this world a better place. May your family find comfort and peace during this difficult time.

For many years, Tom was part of the MPR family upon which my wife and I raised our family. Tom was with us in the morning as we got ready for our day and joined us for many of our special events (via on-air acknowlements or requests). As a member of the Prairie Home Companion cast, Tom shared with us a view of what radio entertainment can be. How great it was to see him on stage. Tom and Dale even joined us on vacation (through Morning Show CDs and recorded programs).

As with the changes to the Morning Show over the past several years, we are sadened by yet another passing. Our lives were richer for his contributions.

my daughter and i listened every morning for most of the 26 yrs he and dale did the morning show
he was just so funny and dear in his own offbeat, curmudgeonly way
just so happy to have had the pleasure of his company all those years

A very sad day for listeners of the Morning Show and PHC. I fondly recall his impressions each day on the Morning Show and would often repeat them to my family. One of my favorites was Dr. Larry Kyle of Genway Foods--very creative! One of the saddest days was the last Morning Show but this news makes today just as sad. My condolences to Tom's family and friends.

Tom brought so many moments of joy through his work on Prairie Home Companion. He will be dearly missed and he leaves a wonderful legacy that will be enjoyed by generations to come as they listen to his recorded work. Blessings to his family, loved ones and all that he was close to.

It is a sad day, what a talented fellow that I have enjoyed for several decades with PHC and have enjoyed talking in person and on the radio. My sympathy to the family . He will be missed and it will not be the same.
Renee

Years ago, when in my early 20s (now in my 60s) listening to Garrison & Tom on the original morning show-PHC - it came to the sports report (not your typical sports report) and they stated they had lost the sports intro music -- so, they improvised with their own version of it (cheering crowd, marching band and plane buzzing field) - the show always made me laugh and that memory is certainly one of same.

Such sad news to learn of his death - my heart goes out to his family and friends.

Tom Keith gave us all so many good and smiling moments in a world that needed to lighten up. We will miss him very much.

To this day, one of my all-time favorite public radio moments was Tom, in his Jim Ed Poole alter ego, "covering" the opening of the Mall of America, back in 1992. There was a distinct "Titanic" theme to the broadcast, complete with Jim's plaintive rendition of "Nearer My God to Thee" from deep inside the Mall's boiler room. Classic. I'll miss him.

When I immigrated to this country in 1986 and soon became a young mother without extended family nearby, Jim Ed Poole and Dale took there place and were there for me and my husband each morning, showing me in all my doubt that this is an OK place to raise my family if there can be radio like this to wake up to. "You're my little potato" became my new national anthem. Thank you, Tom.

Just the other day I came across a signed photo of Jim Ed from maybe the late 1970's. He is at the radio mic dressed in a tux, bow tie, bib overalls, a Wobegone Whippets baseball cap, headphones, a script and a ball glove on one hand. Written on the back is, "I learned this from John Denver. Send a photo whether or not it is asked for." I think it was in response to something I sent to him at the Morning Show. Glad I was able to listen to him over almost all of his radio personality career.

Kieth gave the radio world a picture without any lights, any camera, just pure sounding action.

What a loss! Mr. Sports, Mr. Action Mr. Jim Ed Poole! was a voice of my childhood. I will never forget driving to school in the morning with my mom and my brother and listening to the morning show.
I am so sad to hear of Toms passing and extend my condolences to his friends and families.
Thank you, Tom for so many fond memories over the years!

I grew up listening to the Morning Show and APHC. Then in my twenties I had the amazing fortune of working at MPR.

Every time Tom and I would pass in the halls, he would dryly say to me, "nothing around here is so important that you have to walk THAT fast." It always gave me a smile and a pause.

I am grateful for those memories. And the realization that those brief interactions were the most "important" part and remain very dear to me. Love ya, Tom.

What sad news! My memories of Jim Ed go back to the 70's, when he and Garrison did the morning program at KCCM the on the campus of Concordia College ... just across the street from the Prarie Home Cemetary. In the following decades, his humor and talent have brightened many a morning commute. My prayers go out to Mr. Keith's family at home and at MPR, as well as all of us who came to love him. Kitsi V., Redmond, WA

A Prairie Home Companion will never be the same. Thanks to Tom for all the laughs. He and his talent made our lives just a little easier. God bless his family.

Tom Keith/ Jim Ed Poole was a beautiful radio gem. I will miss his quirky presence on A Prairie Home Companion, just as I have missed The Morning Show. I loved the fact that you never knew what he and Dale Connelly were going to broadcast every morning, but you always knew it would be good. He was a gift to radio fans everywhere.

I thought it was bad enough when he retired, who can even conceive not having him with us? He was an incredibly important representative of Minnesota, nicer than nice.

Jim Ed Pool was the best man I over woke up with each and every weekeday morning! He gave a gift to each day!! He will always be a "one of a kind REAL guy"!

My deepest condolences. I want to thank you for all the great memories that Tom gave me. I was a listener from the Morning Show days with Garrison. I will always feel he was the best sports announcer I ever heard.

Going to school in WI, MPR or its productions was my university of the air, my alternate education. Once I got through my BA, this entity completely took over my formal education for the next two years till I moved home.

The talent of Tom Keith gave me hope that not every success was based in verbology.

What a wonderful guy. SO intuitive. Made possible sharing an experience of listening to the morning show for my boys entire grade school years. They loved Jim Ed! He was part of the village that raised them and didn't even know it. He provided one of those male role models you wish you had in your own extended family. What a worth while life. Thank You Tom. Theresa Halverson MPLS

A co-worker & good friend of mine came into the office a little later than usual today with the news that his uncle had passed away last evening. In conversation, I realized his uncle was "Jim Ed Poole"... I used to listen to Jim every morning for a few years on the Morning Show of The Current and enjoyed his unique delivery & style. A one of a kind. My condolences to Tom's family and to MPR.

My deepest condolences go out to Tom Keith's family and his MPR family. His talent for voice effects was unique and will live on in the minds and hearts of his many fans.

I grew up listening to Morning Show every morning; Dale Connelly and Jim Ed Poole (Tom Keith) were the voices of my childhood. I continued to listen to the show even when I moved to New York for college, and listened up until the last broadcast. Thereafter I appreciated his unbelievable sound effects on Prairie Home Companion. He was enormously talented, and will be missed.

I just can't believe this! Tom, (Jim Ed, always to us,) was the real soul of Minnesota Public Radio. When he retired, it really took the wind out of our sails and our mornings were never the same after that day. It was wonderful to catch him on PHC and we would always quiet down, wherever we were and what ever we were doing when he was on. I hope to God that there are golf courses in Heaven, Jim Ed!

I am saddened to hear Tom Keith passed away. He was a very talented man. I enjoyed his many roles on the Morning Show and was awed by the sound affects he was able to produce on The Prairie Home Companion. My sympathies to his immediate family and his Radio family.

The joy of listening to MPR in the morning left in Oct 2008, I so missed the wit of Jim Ed Poole/Tom Keith. I loved hearing his sound effects wizardry on Prairie Home Companion. My son and most recently my 11 yr. old daughter loved listening just for his sound effects. My prayers to his family and friends.

Whether he was channeling Jim Ed, Bubby Spamden, that wacky food genetics guy, or any other of Dale's creations, Tom Keith was one class act. Nothing against Fred Newman, but Tom's sound effects at the Fitz were peerless. What a shock. My condolences to his wife and the MPR/PHC family -- I guess that's all of us.

We listened to you for years Jim Ed/Tom. I always loved your "Home Grown Tomatoes" and think of you when ever I get one on my plate. You will be remembered ...

I listen to 'A Prairie Home Companion' every week. Mr. Keith's sound effects and humor were so enjoyable. His death will create a huge gap in the show. In fact, I don't think anyone could adequately replace him!

Jim Ed/Tom Keith woke us all up every morning at 6 AM with a funny story, a witty joke, a fabulous skit and made even grouchy school kids have something to laugh about while waiting for the morning school bus. Tom also inspired me to keep increasing my donations to MPR during fund drives. What a talent! What a good guy! Fond memories of all his radio characters and condolences to his family and colleagues who will miss that joyful, funny, zany humor.

He was a great part of Prairie Home Companion. My sympathy to Tom's family and his co-workers

oh NO! Until the show went off the air, I listened to him every morning since I was zero. How sad!

I started every day with Dale and Jim Ed Poole and was terribly disappointed when they went off the air. But I was still able to enjoy Tom on Prairie Home. Today I am heartbroken to see he is gone. Today the laughter died.

I grew up listening to Mr. Jim Ed Poole as a child in Minnesota and he - along with Garrison Keillor - inspired my love of public radio. Sending love to his family & friends -- we were all lucky to have him in our lives!

You have left a legacy Tom and I will always treasure it.

I think I'm going to cry! I have fond memories of listening to'Jim Ed' as I was getting ready for school as a kid, and then while getting my own kids ready for school. He will be missed :(

When I went to the Fitzgerald for A Prairie Home Companion, it wasn't to see Garrison, Sue or Tim in person. They are obviously talented people, but the person I was interested in watching was Tom. His creativity and timing always took my breath away. Thanks for sharing him with the world.

Tom had been my radio friend since the 70's. My public radio world was wonderfully colored and humored by Tom Keith on the Morning Show and Prairie Home Companion. While I didn't "know" him, I knew him well and will miss him as the dear and long time friend he was in my listening world.

When I went to the Fitzgerald for A Prairie Home Companion, it wasn't to see Garrison, Sue or Tim in person. They are obviously talented people, but the person I was interested in watching was Tom. His creativity and timing always took my breath away. Thanks for sharing him with the world.

I have been listening to Tom Keith since he first came on the air. I feel as though it was Tom, not Garrison or Dale, that was the unrecognized star of those shows. I don't think they would have done nearly as well without him. I met Tom once at a mutual friend's house, and he was truly a naturally funny man, and quite a character. His humor and sound effects will always be cherished memories. Here I sit, with the mug from The Morning Show's 25 year celebration in my hand, feeling a great loss and sorrow that he won't be able to enjoy the long retirement he deserved. You better make sure that bagpipes are played in his honor--he loved them so.

Tom Keith/Jim Ed Poole is a beloved and treasured part of my life and memories. Last year when organizing stuff at home, I found many cassette tapes I had made in the 70s and 80s. Included in them were several recordings I had made from the radio of The Morning Show in 1984-86. I used those recordings to keep my memories of the program alive during many years when I lived in another state (pre-Internet streaming, podcasts, etc.). I replayed all the cassettes of the program last winter on my daily commute when I realized how much I missed The Morning Show after that wonderful final broadcast in Dec. 2008. I was in the overflow crowd at the church. Tom Keith's talents and warmth will be missed in this world.

The morning show was my favorite discovery when we moved to MN in 2000. "Jim Ed" had such a joyful humor, it was the best way to start the day, ever. Thanks for all the smiles!

I'm stunned and saddened by the sudden death of Tom Keith. We've lost a talented and genuinely kind and gentle man. My condolences to his family, friends and MPR co-workers, Tom will be sadly missed.

My heart was deeply saddened to here of the loss of Tom Keith. I will never forget how much I loved hearing Jim Ed Poole and Dale Connelly every morning on The Morning Show and his wonderful voices and sounds on The Prairie Home Companion. During the years I struggled as a working single parent I cannot tell you how many times Jim Ed and Dale saved me from being late for work. (back when they played "When the Morning Sun Climbs Over the Hill") I had two little girls to get off to work and the game was we had to be in the car and driving in order to hear that song. It worked like a charm and if for any reason we were late my two daughters and I knew our day would not be the same without hearing that song. I thanked Jim Ed and Dale daily for giving me a reason to get up every morning head off to work and no matter how hard the day ahead looked I would walk into work laughing because of some funny story those two had told on my morning drive. I mourned when the show ended and now my heart is grieving for this sudden loss of Tom Keith. He was a talented man and I feel sad we will no longer be privy to the many voices, sounds, stories and laughter of this great man. My heart goes out to all of you at MPR who were lucky to work with this wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family, friends and fans. May his memory live on in all of our hearts.

I went through school with Tom and his twin Terry. Tom was always a quiet jokster, even as an elementary kiddo. l left Minnesota in 1969 and had no idea he has achieved such radio fame! My deepest sympathy to his entire family.

One morning my little dog, Minnie, and I were going to the vet. It was Thanksgiving time and we were listening to Dale and Jim Ed on the Morning Show. Cap'n Billy and the Muskelung were on a voyage transporting a cargo of turkeys to an unhappy destination. Suddenly the turkeys decided to mutiny and chaos ensued!! I was laughing so hard I had to pull off the road. You know how, when dogs listen to us they sometimes tip their heads back and forth? Minnie was sitting straight up in the passenger seat like a person (she thought she was one) doing that, which made the whole thing even funnier. I took several minutes for me to recover myself enough to drive. Thank you, Dale and Jim Ed, for the memory.

What a sudden and huge loss for his family and for the rest of us who were fans! What a talented man.

I grew up listening to Dale and Jim Ed every morning. Tom's warm voice and humor is a part of my childhood memories. He will be missed.

I listened every morning to Tom and Dale while getting ready for work. Mr. Keith's sound effects and the stories they told was always a wonderful way to start my day. I am so sad to hear of his passing at too young an age! My deepest sympathies to his family, friends, Minnesota Public Radio, and the Prairie Home Companion staff.

The Morning Show was such a part of my daily routine - my morning drive with Mr. Sports, Mr. Action, Mr. Jim Ed Poole...Happy Trails Mr. Keith!

I had the honor of getting up ayt zero-dark-thirty in the Seventies with Tom and Garrison, to do the newswcasts on the morning show, before heading to the state Capitol and then MPR news director. Tom was a super talent, extra-dry wit, and and an all-around good guy. Haven't talked to him in years, but he will be sorely missed. RIP

I began listening to the Morning Show in the early 1970 and faithfully through the last show in 2008. Some of my memories include the time Garrison went on vacation but interrupted Jim Ed's reading of a novel he found under Pa Poole's workbench by a phone call from Jim Ed. I fondly recall the "Incredible Betty" series and many many more wonderful memories of the many many broadcasts on both the Morning Show and Prairie Home Companion. What a tremendous contribution starting with Curtis the Chicken. I sure miss those days of the Morning Show. Radio has not been the same since and the folks of MInnesota have lost a real home grown hero. John F. Blackstone, P.E.

I cwill never forget the first time I heard Jim Ed Poole do the sports on the Prairie Home Morning Show by reading off a list of scores. No team names, just scores. Priceless.

Tom's gentle humor and incredible wit were delightful. I still miss The Morning Show every weekday and this news makes me recall yet again what a treasure that show was. I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to meet Tom earlier this year when PHC was in Bemidji, and I was able to thank him for so many wonderful morning drives. As expected, his response was humble and funny.

My condolences to Tom's family and friends, remembering especially his MPR family.

I feel so sad to hear the news of Tom Keith's passing. I grew up listening to the Morning Show and will always remember Captain Billy, and the guy who couldn't remember the words to anything (and now I can't remember the name of that fellow), and Beulah Land, and much more. Can't help but feel I have lost a friend --

We share in your loss.

Thank you, Mrs Jim Ed Poole, for sharing your husband with us for so many early mornings. We loved him.

I was fortunate enough to cohost the Morning Show a few times with Tom when Dale would be on vacation. We had adjacent cubicles during his last years at MPR and it was wonderful to hear his stories about working with Garrison and about his dad's career as a performer. He was very much the radio professional. Very calm, cool, & collected. Very precise--almost obsessive in his neatness and detail. I was quite surprised to find out that this slender, quiet man had also been a U. S. Marine. Semper Fi, Tom! I miss you, man.

Relationships of a great many years create a wealth of memories. It's high art to involve the hearts of people who will never meet. Radio broadcast performances, live shows with audiences that are heard great distances away do foster a sense of deep friendship. Tom Keith perfected the art.

I missed starting my mornings with Tom so very much when they canceled their show that I stopped being a member until just this year. They were one of the fondest memories I have of growing up, from starting virtually every morning with their radio show, to his skits on APHC being my favorites ones. I briefly entertained the thought of becoming a radio sound effects woman at one point because of him. I will miss him terribly. I can't hear an ostrich piloting a helicopter through a herd of cows without thinking of him.

Jim Ed was the bright spot on the Morning Show when I was listening to it; and always enjoyed him on Prairie Home Companion. I am so sad to hear of the passing of one of radio's BEST.

The Current's morning show has not been the same since Tom Retired. He will be missed: long live the memory of Jim Ed Poole!

My kids grew up hearing Tom Keith on The Morning Show. We so loved his Capn' Billy and the countless other skits and humor and wit he offered on the Morning Show and the PHC. His sound effects and characters added so much.
May his family find some comfort in knowing so many loved hearing him on their radio every week and share in their loss.

I so idolized him. He was an entertainer but also a true gentleman. What a brilliant extemporaneous comedian with never-ending witty banter. Very intelligent and kind. My condolences to his family at home and on MPR.

I am beyond sad to hear that Tom has passed. What a fabulous talent and really nice man! I was a rabid fan of The Morning Show for years and I was in the front row of that last show and it was a morning of tears and laughter for everyone there.

What a character he was ! He had such a unique sense of humor. I guess the "Vacancy" sign will be lit at the Hotel Transom tonight.

I listened to Tom Keith as Jim Ed Poole and his partner Dale Connelly since I was in the womb. I'll never forget Dale's sports introduction:
"He knows all, he tells only some. He lives for sports, he's Mr. Sports, Mr. Action, Mr. Jim Ed Pool."

I was all tears and sobs when he last went off the air in 2008.

My heart goes out to his family and friends. I count myself as one lucky woman to have grown up hearing the greatness - and creativeness- that was Tom Keith.

You will be missed, Mr. Keith. I could never get enough of your loon and elk calls. You've drawn tears of laughter from me, many times, but this is the first tear of sorrow.

Wow! This is almost like the death of a family member. To you he was Tom Kieth; to me he was Jim Ed Poole. I listened to Jim Ed from the earliest days of the Prairie Home Morning Show; the days of Chicken Man and Bertha's Kitty Boutique. I toured the MPR studios when they were new. As I passed the library, Jim Ed was in there. He looked out, and, without even thinking about it, I waved to him. He didn't know who I was, of course, but I felt like I knew him. I share your loss, as all of us celebrate his life. My sympathy to his family, his former MPR colleagues and the many listeners who enjoyed his presence.

I remember driving up from college in Northfield and sitting in the outdoor sculpture garden at the OLD science museum to watch Jim Ed and Garrision. That's how long I've been listening. What a sad loss.

I have listened to Jim Ed most of my adult life--first with his side kick Garrison and later with Dale. He gave my mornings shape and optimistic outlook. I mourn him as a good and constant friend.

I was missing him already with the Morning Show off the air. Now I can't even hope to hear him occasionally. A good radio friend, he will be sorely missed by many.

I grew up listening to The Morning Show in Rochester- my dad always had it on getting ready for school as a kid. After college I moved to Oregon and had to streamed the final Morning Show live waking up at 4:00am to hear it all. By the time I went to work, bleary-eyed it was hard to explain just how much those two hosts helped shape my life by all the incredible music Jim Ed and Dale brought to my life. Now back in my home-state I have loved seeing Tom on stage for PHC and hearing his brilliance come through on the airwaves each Saturday night. There is no one like him. Thank you for everything, Mr. Keith, you will be missed.

I started listening to The Morning Show when I was in high school, and continued to do so until its end, more than 10 years later. I remember being in high school and going to a clothing swap at Macalester with my brother (who was a student there) and being ecstatic when I found an old, thin Morning Show t-shirt featuring orange, yellow and blue morning-y graphics (like roosters, toasters, eggs, the sun etc...). It was my favorite shirt, and I think of it often. I have no idea where it's gone, and I would love it if MPR made a second edition of it. I was proud to wear a shirt that advertised the best morning show there was, and is. I felt like Jim Ed was my goofy uncle or something. I loved listening to he and Dale. I should have posted this later, because right now, I can't think of the right words to describe why I loved listening to them. It was comforting. It was fun. My prayers are with Tom's family. He was a great man, and will be dearly missed by many, I'm sure.

Many years ago I joined a friend for church and while we were having coffee afterwords I was watching the crowd around me. I had been an avid fan of "The Morning Program" for years and suddenly, behind me, I heard an unmistakable voice. I had never met Tom but I knew instantly who he was. I whirled around and said "you're on the radio aren't you?" I Don't remember his reply but it was said with great humor.

He will be missed

RIP Tom. You were a Minnesota Treasure. Thank you for making us all smile.

Tom Keith (or Mr. Jim Ed Poole as we like to call him) was our family's favorite radio guy. For 8 years he helped make birthdays special in our house with his requests on the Morning Show. And my kids loved hearing his crazy sounds on the Prairie Home Companion. He was such a nice guy when we met him in person and I feel sad that he died.

As former General Manager of the Fitzgerlad Theater, I had the pleasure of working with Tom Keith. He was the real deal-talented, honest, and just a good man! I will miss is smile!

I am stunned at the news. Tom seemed like a member of the family after all those years we listened to him during the morning hours. My heart-felt condolences are sent to all those who loved him.

All of us at KUER are shocked ad saddened by the news of Tom's passing. He was a GIANT in radio, and will be missed by literally millions. We're all so sorry.
John Greene GM KUER

Dale and Jim Ed went to work with me every morning from the day I started my first adult job until the day their show left the air. On APHC, he had no equal and was always a favorite of mine and my husband's to watch when we were lucky enough to be in the audience. Rest in Peace, your loss weighs heavy on my heart.

We knew him only from the radio -- although my daughter and I did get to attend one live performance of PHC -- and loved the way he and Dale brought our mornings to life with music and skits. We have recordings -- DVDs with his voice and "effects" that will be around even if he is gone. Small comfort that, but a kind of comfort anyway.

He made my mornings better and brighter. I loved his intelligent brand of humor and he was nearly always able to make me smile.

He was one of the joys of the morning.

I'm shocked and saddened. Our children grew up with The Morning Show. I feel as though I've lost a good friend. Mr. Keith always distinguished himself with his consummate professionalism and intelligent sense of humor. My husband and I were in the front row for the last Morning Show, and Peter Ostroushko's rendition of You Are My Sunshine was so sad, but not nearly as sad as this. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Tom was an unsung star of MPR and A Prairie Home Companion. I remember listening to Tom and Garrison on the Morning Show in the 80's. He will be sadly missed.

How many people know what an avid, and good, golfer Tom was? He called me twice this summer to join him for a round with his sister and now I regret more than ever that I wasn't able to go. I was just thinking of him last night. Wow, what a shock.
He could make an errant putt sound like a sunk putt making the game a lot more fun.

Every week day morning I still miss The Morning Show. But I still had Tom's brilliance on PHC. This is so sad. My thoughts go out ot his family and friends and all his fans. I am one of his biggest ones. He is so missed.

Very sad to hear of Tom's passing. In 2004 we took the kids to the fantastic Morning Show Halloween Matinee event at the Fitzgerald and I credit that as much as anything with sparking their interest in MPR's programming. Thanks so much for the St Olaf's link (especially great the clip of Tom from APHC movie at 07:20) He was so funny and full of vitality!

Ah, hell, what a way to spoil a beautiful fall day.

Tom/Jim Ed was part of my mornings for 20 years of commuting. And whether he was talking about Curtis his chicken at the Hotel Transom, reading sports scores, or selling Dr. Larry Kyle's products, he was the high point of my hour-long drives.

I've missed him since he retired and how I'll miss his presence.

Too many memories, too much a part of my radio life...delighted to meet him when I began work at MPR, Iremember the first time I saw him on stage at a Prairie Home Companion show in the 70s, he was dancing...special memories of Dale and Jim Ed playing John Hartford's Tall Buildings every June on the anniversary of my first day at work. Condolances to us all.

This guy made the start of my days so much better for so many many years. Thanks Tom and you are missed.some parts of life just suck