Edward James (Jim) McLoone, longtime publisher of the Lake Country Reporter and founder of Lake Country Publications, died Thursday, April 9, at his home. He was 91.
McLoone spent 48 years in the weekly newspaper business, first in Minnesota and then in Wisconsin, where he started Lake Country Publications in 1960. His enterprise ultimately included four weeklies, one semi-weekly, a monthly and two shoppers.
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In 1960, his Lake Country Reporter had a circulation of 1,700. When he “semi-retired” in 1990, his network of publications had swelled to a total circulation of more than 100,000. He continued to edit the “50 Plus” news magazine and was a contributor and proofreader for other publications owned by the family. For four years in a row, “50 Plus” captured first place for “Overall Excellence” in the North American Mature Publishers Assn. competition.
McLoone was inducted into the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame in 2002. His son, John McLoone, publishes the Pierce County Journal in Prescott and the Stanley Republican.
Jim McLoone and his wife, Mary, raised eight children. He is survived by his wife and children Pat, Maureen, Sheila, Katie, John, Mary and James. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Bridget.
A celebration of life for Jim is planned for June.
