Jim Birge, the beloved creator of Long Beach’s “Jeopardy!” Tournament of Champions, died Friday, hours before the tournament concluded its 25th year.
The annual academic competition, which has challenged middle school students for a quarter century, brought together three finalists for the last round on Saturday. Organizers and participants framed the event not only as a contest, but also as a tribute to Birge’s legacy.
The tournament has tested thousands of students over the years, with contestants answering rapid-fire clues in the style of the popular television game show. Jordan McGuffie, who became the first middle school champion in 2002, returned for the milestone event…