Ben Scripps (right) with Jeopardy host Alex Trebek.

WWTV/WWUP-TV (9&10/Cadillac-Traverse City) Assistant Operations Manager Ben Scripps died September 20 at the age of 52.  Scripps, who studied Broadcast and Cinematic Arts at Central Michigan University, joined WWTV/WWUP in 1996.

According to his online obituary, "whether it was lugging a video camera around in the rain on Friday nights to cover local high school football games (in his early years) to long sessions producing the news from the switcher board, Ben loved every minute of his time at 9&10."

At the station, Scripps, along with other staff, was heavily involved in the station's studio move to Traverse City earlier this year.

Scripps had a lifelong dream to be on Jeopardy. In 2019 he took the online test, qualified to go to Chicago for the next step, were he was selected to be on the show. In March 2020 he flew to LA. They tape a week of shows in one day. (This was the start of COVID so there was no audience). He won the first and second day, becoming a two time Jeopardy Champion, earning just shy of $40,000.

Former co-worker and current WCMU Public Media Multimedia Producer/Journalist Jamie Mankiewicz told the MAB, “Ben Scripps was born to work in live TV. If things went sideways, you’d never know it with him in the director’s seat. He was caring, kind, and one of the most genuine people I’ve ever known. He was an unforgettable coworker and an even better friend. He’ll be missed more than words can say.”

Born Gordon Benjamin Scripps in 1972, he elected to be known by his middle name.  Scripps also had a lifelong passion for golf, belonging to the Cadillac Country Club and playing often.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jane Scripps who died in 2011. He is survived by his father, Pat, step mother, Angel and brother John Christopher Scripps.

The family invites those interested to gather to share stories and memories on Sunday, September 28 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Dykstra Funeral Home, 188 W. 32nd Ave in Holland and Wednesday, October 1, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Cadillac Country Club, 5676 East M55 in Cadillac.