"Cactus" Jack Wells
May 13, 1911 – May 26, 1999
Inducted 1986
Primary Outlet
CJOB
Jack Wells, affectionately known as “Cactus Jack,” was a beloved figure in Canadian sportscasting.
Known for his friendly nature and iconic voice, Wells was a people person long before he became one of the most recognizable names in Manitoba’s sports media history.
Born on May 13, 1911, in Moose Jaw, Sask., Wells began his broadcasting career in 1935 in Saskatoon, where he first called hockey games. His career would go on to span more than five decades, making him a central figure in Winnipeg’s sports culture.
Wells quickly became the voice of Winnipeg football, recognized across Western Canada through his work on both radio and television. His warm smile, kind demeanor and memorable style of commentary endeared him to fans.
“He’s a lovable guy,” said Bob Irving. “He would hold the door for anyone. I was blessed to have worked with him when I started at CJOB.”
Wells’s distinctive delivery and his signature line, “and turned out nice again,” became trademarks of his broadcasts. He was also known for his “Happy Honker Award,” when he asked fans leaving Blue Bombers games to honk if they agreed with his choice for the player in the game. It was a prime example of how he brought sports to life for listeners and viewers through his work with CKY, CJAY, CJRC, CBC and CJOB. He also freelanced for the Winnipeg Tribune.
Beyond being the voice of Winnipeg football for 40 years, Wells was deeply involved in Manitoba’s curling community. He provided play-by-play coverage of major events, including the Brier and world curling championships. He became Winnipeg’s first CBC sportscaster in 1954, as well as the first to broadcast curling play-by-play from the Brier.
Wells was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame media wing, the Curling Canada Hall of Fame and the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. His contributions continue to be honoured through the Eric and Jack Wells Foundation, a tribute to his lifelong dedication to broadcasting. In recognition of his broadcasting career, the City of Winnipeg named a street linking the old Canad Inns Stadium and the former site of Winnipeg Arena after him.
Jack Wells was inducted into the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Media Roll of Honour in 1986. He passed away on May 24, 1999, less than two weeks after celebrating his 88th birthday.
Known for his friendly nature and iconic voice, Wells was a people person long before he became one of the most recognizable names in Manitoba’s sports media history.
Born on May 13, 1911, in Moose Jaw, Sask., Wells began his broadcasting career in 1935 in Saskatoon, where he first called hockey games. His career would go on to span more than five decades, making him a central figure in Winnipeg’s sports culture.
Wells quickly became the voice of Winnipeg football, recognized across Western Canada through his work on both radio and television. His warm smile, kind demeanor and memorable style of commentary endeared him to fans.
“He’s a lovable guy,” said Bob Irving. “He would hold the door for anyone. I was blessed to have worked with him when I started at CJOB.”
Wells’s distinctive delivery and his signature line, “and turned out nice again,” became trademarks of his broadcasts. He was also known for his “Happy Honker Award,” when he asked fans leaving Blue Bombers games to honk if they agreed with his choice for the player in the game. It was a prime example of how he brought sports to life for listeners and viewers through his work with CKY, CJAY, CJRC, CBC and CJOB. He also freelanced for the Winnipeg Tribune.
Beyond being the voice of Winnipeg football for 40 years, Wells was deeply involved in Manitoba’s curling community. He provided play-by-play coverage of major events, including the Brier and world curling championships. He became Winnipeg’s first CBC sportscaster in 1954, as well as the first to broadcast curling play-by-play from the Brier.
Wells was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame media wing, the Curling Canada Hall of Fame and the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. His contributions continue to be honoured through the Eric and Jack Wells Foundation, a tribute to his lifelong dedication to broadcasting. In recognition of his broadcasting career, the City of Winnipeg named a street linking the old Canad Inns Stadium and the former site of Winnipeg Arena after him.
Jack Wells was inducted into the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Media Roll of Honour in 1986. He passed away on May 24, 1999, less than two weeks after celebrating his 88th birthday.