Legislature names bridge in Fleming’s memory

MORGANTOWN — The West Virginia Legislature has passed a resolution naming a bridge on Interstate 68 in memory of Leo W. “Jack” Fleming.

In its resolution, the lawmakers requested at their recently completed special session that the Division of Highways name the bridge on I-68 at milepost 3.22 after the legendary “Voice of the Mountaineers.”

That span is to be known as the Jack Fleming Memorial Bridge where it intersects with Route 64/1 in Monongalia County.

Fleming, a Morgantown native, was a graduate of West Virginia University and broadcast its football and basketball games from 1947 to 1996.

He earned numerous awards during his outstanding career. In his prime, he was generally regarded as one of the nation’s greatest sports broadcasters.

After serving as a navigator in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, he also distinguished himself as the “Voice of the Pittsburgh Steelers” for more than 35 years.

In addition, he was the play-by-play man for the NBA’s Chicago Bulls for a few years.

Fleming died in 2001 in Mount Lebanon, Pa. A daughter still resides in Morgantown.

Signs identifying the bridge will be erected as soon as possible, according to the resolution.