Having worked with Jim at Telemedia and at Standard (pre Astral / pre Bell), Jim is a genuine guy.  He would never have done a contrived bit about something so serious and tragic.  He doesn't get too personal or too emotional on the air that often, so when he does,,it packs a wallop.. 

Here's the audio from the show:

Jim Richards - Families of Suicide Victims 

Jim Richards has always worn his heart on his sleeve. He is the real thing and showing emotion on air is the sign of a great broadcaster. Some may think it's a sign oif weakness to cry on air. I disagree. It's a sign of strength to be able to share with your audience your emotions - good, bad, happy or sad.

We all cry when our love life falls apart or someone we care about dies. It's part of the story telling experience that great broadcasters have. What makes it so striking when Jim Richards shed tears on air,when telling a story, is because 99% of the time his Showgram makes us laugh out loud. He is the funniest talk show host on the air today and one of the most human announcers I've ever worked with.