WACO, Texas — A popular Waco radio host is battling liver cancer and is now in hospice care. You probably know Jim Cody from the "Zack & Jim" Show on Waco 100.
He is a husband to Melanie Cotyk, a father to four daughters and radio co-host to Zack Owen.
His on-air journey started back in 1993 when Owen at Waco 100 was looking for the perfect partner. Owen reached out to several radio stations and gave Cody a call.
The rest is history.
"He started January, 30 years ago," Owen said. "We've been partners for 30 years."
The pair launched the "Zack & Jim" show and traveled the world together.
"We kind of laugh that we've been together longer than any one of our marriages," Owen added.
On Aug. 24, 2023, everything changed. Cody has not been on air for several months as he battles liver cancer in hospice care. He was supposed to be getting a liver transplant, but tumors grew too quickly, making him ineligible.
"The calls, the texts, the emails, you know, 'Where's Jim? What's Jim doing? When's he coming back? We can tell things are different,'" Owen explained. "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 what he does on the morning show, but it will never be never be the same. I'm still holding out. He may come back you just never know."
Right by Cody's side is his strong family who is soaking in every moment.
"He's surrounded by the girls and his wife, and and they're watching over him," Owen said. "He's putting up a good fight."
"It is heartbreaking," his wife, Melanie Cotyk, added.
He has a big community fighting for him too. With the help of Owen, a benefit is being planned for Sunday, Oct. 29.
The benefit will be at K&W's Bar and Grill from 2 to 6 pm in Woodway. There will be live music, an auction and food.
If parking gets full, Owen is asking everyone to park at Tucker Hall. There will be shuttle buses to take people to and from the event.
"We've helped out hundreds of charities, raised millions of dollars, and so you know, with this benefit, I'm asking listeners and people that have helped other charities to help Jim out," Owen said.
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