Noted “Jeopardy!” champion and author, Bruce Seymour, died on September 18, 2024. He was 77 years old, having fought a seven-week battle with a COVID-19 infection. Despite being in peak health and receiving all available vaccinations, Seymour succumbed to the disease in San Francisco, California, his long-time place of residence.
Seymour’s association with “Jeopardy!” started in 1987 when he claimed victory in four successive games. He was invited back in 1988 for the Tournament of Champions and later clinched his most significant win in the 1990 “Super Jeopardy!” tournament, earning the $250,000 grand prize. At that point, his cumulative winnings of $305,989 created a record for the highest amount ever won by a contestant.
Seymour, an Indianapolis native, completed his high school education at Shortridge High School in 1964. He later attended Lawrence University in Wisconsin, where he served as the editor-in-chief of the college newspaper and assistant general manager of the radio station.
Upon earning a political science degree in 1968, Seymour served in the U.S. Air Force as a supply officer during the Vietnam War.
At the conclusion of the war, Seymour was discharged early in 1972 and embarked on a global journey. He returned to the United States in 1973 and enrolled at the University of California College of the Law in San Francisco. He graduated and was admitted to the California bar in 1977.
After practicing law briefly with his brother, Seymour traversed across the U.S., visiting all the presidential graves and libraries. On his return to California, he accepted an offer from a former law school classmate and his wife to reside with them as a handyman in their newly purchased 70-year-old home in Piedmont.
Using his ‘Jeopardy!’ winnings, Seymour delved into the life of 19th-century stage performer Lola Montez, eventually publishing a comprehensive biography, “Lola Montez: A Life,” in 1996. He also penned articles on travel and opera for various publications.
In 2007, Seymour joined the Peace Corps, serving in Ukraine until he was medically discharged due to cataracts. He subsequently worked for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services before retiring in 2016.
Bruce Seymour leaves behind his brother, sister, extended family, and a host of friends around the globe who were inspired by his remarkable life and achievements.
