Julius "Jay" Lasslo died Saturday night after years of health problems. He was 84.

The son of immigrants, Lasslo was born in 1925 and was a World War II veteran. He was actually held prisoner of war by Nazis for a time before escaping.

He began his career at WSGS and WKIC in Hazard in 1956 and was one of the most familiar voices in the mountains for more than 40 years.

Lasslo was behind the microphone for countless sporting events, including many Boys Sweet 16 tournaments.

His most famous play-by-play call was the 1982 state championship game when Paul Andrews hit a half court shot to win the title for Laurel County. Lasslo screaming "can you believe it!" is legendary.

Lasslo was part of the first television broadcast in Hazard and did sports and weather on television for awhile in addition to his radio duties.

He hosted radio shows like "Flight 1390" and "Cavalcade of Sports."

He was also the WSGS sales manager and recorded countless commercials. Among his most memorable are the ones for the Mother Goose Market that included the tag "where Ma saves Pa's money."

Lasslo called his last high school basketball game in 1996 when Paintsville won the Sweet 16. He retired in 1997.

He was inducted into the KHSAA Hall of Fame in 1993 and a lifetime member of the Hazard Lion's Club.

His last television interview was in 2000 with WYMT's Steve Hensley.

His last appearance on Mountain News was in 2005 when a bridge was named in his honor.

He's been at the East Kentucky Veteran's Center for the last several years. His wife Delphia died just a few months ago.

The visitation for Lasslo will be Tuesday from 6:00 until 9:00 and the funeral will be Wednesday at 1:00 at Maggard's Mountain View Chapel in Hazard. In lieu of flowers, you can make donations to the Eastern Kentucky Veterans Center or the Hospice of the Bluegrass.