Clifton Johnsen broke into radio in its early years, Â joining Eureka station KIEM as an announcer in 1933, when the station went on the air from studios in the opulent Vance Hotel. His work there included play-by-play broadcasts from Eureka High School’s Albee Stadium.
Johnsen’s move to the Oakland Tribune station KLX brought with it a nickname: “Cactus Jack”, which Johnsen used during country-western broadcasts on KLX and later on San Jose’s KEEN.
Johnsen also handled sports play-by-play throughout his career, calling the first season of San Francisco 49ers games.
Clifton Johnsen died in 1968 at age 70.