WACO, Texas — Family and friends are mourning the loss of a man who was a familiar face and voice to Central Texans.
Radio host Jim Cody from the "Zack & Jim" Show on Waco 100 died from liver cancer on the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 25.
Two years ago, Cody was diagnosed as a diabetic. He started out with shots, got into a program and lost a lot of weight. Along the way, doctors found the liver cancer. Just last week, Cody went into hospice care.
Listeners and loved ones told 6 News their hearts dropped when they found out Cody had died.
Chris Blanton, former Meridian Chief of Police, became friends with Cody after participating in a barbeque cook-off, but Blanton knew of the Waco phenomenon when he was just a young boy.
"A lot of us, people older than me and younger than me, grew up listening to Jim and Zack," Blanton said. "They've been around each other for so long. They just play off each other so well."
Cody's radio co-host, Zack Owen, says their journey started back in 1993. To this day, he says everything is still a shock.
"He started January, 30 years ago," Owen said. "We've been partners for 30 years... You know, when you're with somebody that long, it really hurts. You depend on them, you have to kind of take over or try to take over, you know, what he does on the morning show, but it will never be the same."
"You can't replace that kind of connection between those two guys," Blanton added.
Cody left smiles across Central Texas, whether in person or on air.
Linda Brown, a friend of Cody's, sent 6 News the following statement about his selflessness and dedication:
Jim Cotyk was a radio legend in Central Texas being part of WACO 100’s award-winning Zack and Jim in the morning show for more than 30 years. You rarely think or say one name without the other. He was beloved by his wife, Melanie, his family and his countless friends and radio listeners. He spent endless hours helping charitable organizations. He helped to promote many Texas music and country artists. His deep love for our country, veterans and active military was always paramount. Jim was a kind and gentle soul with an affinity for immense laughter, “the bad joke of the day” and making great and lasting memories. If you were fortunate enough to know him, your life was forever changed for the better. Rest easy, old friend. Heaven gained a very special Angel today.
Even though his time was cut short, Cody's legacy will last forever.
"When I saw the news this morning that he passed away, it kind of put a sinking feeling in my heart," Blanton said. "That's a big hole in Central Texas."
Cody is a husband to Melanie Cotyk and father to four daughters. His two oldest daughters live in Missouri, while another is a senior at China Spring High School and one is a sophomore at Texas A&M University.
The community is planning a benefit for Sunday, Oct. 29. More information can be found here.
A GoFundMe has also been set up to help the family. Click here to donate.
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