John C. Larsh, better known to countless fans during decades of radio work as Jack Armstrong, has passed away at 63.

Armstrong is probably most recently remembered around here for being a longtime DJ at WMQX Oldies 93. I used to listen to him every day: Armstrong was easily one of the liveliest radio personalities that I’ve ever found on the dial. But before that, the Chapel Hill born-and-bred Armstrong had also worked in the Boston, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles and San Francisco markets. During his long career he got to hook up with Elvis Presley, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, Frank Zappa, and many other musical legends.

Armstrong’s zest for life reflected in his radio work, especially after the Guinness World Records certified him as being the “world’s fastest talking human”. Armstrong also pulled off the rare feat of being a double-record holder when he broke ...