Tributes were paid on Monday night to David Jacobs, whose broadcasting career over the course of several decades saw him become a household name thanks to his relaxed presentation of peak-time radio and television programmes including Juke Box Jury, What's My Line? and Any Questions?

Jacobs, who had been treated for liver cancer and Parkinson's disease in recent years and stepped down from his weekly Radio 2 programme last month because of ill health, died at home surrounded by members of his family, the BBC said in a statement. He was 87.

He joined the BBC in 1947 as a newsreader following broadcasting work in the Royal Navy. But he was sacked after giggling at a news item.

He went on to become a freelance disc jockey, radio actor and host of the television music panel show Juke Box Jury, as well as one of the original presenters of Top of the Pops.

A Sony Gold award for outstanding contribution to radio came in 1984, and admission to the Sony Hall of Fame 11 years later. He was made a CBE in 1996 for services to broadcasting and for work with charities including cancer and alcohol advice groups.

It was announced in July that Jacobs would step down from his Radio 2 show, which he had hosted for 16 years, after a final edition on 4 August.

Among those paying tribute was the disc jockey Tony Blackburn, who said on Twitter: "Very sad to hear that David Jacobs has passed away, another great broadcaster no longer with us. I'm proud to have known him. RIP David."

Music presenter Bob Harris told followers: "So very sad to hear the news about David Jacobs, my friend and mentor. He gave me my first-ever mention on the radio on my 15th birthday."

The BBC director general, Tony Hall, described Jacobs as "one of the great broadcast personalities", adding: "As a young and avid viewer of Jukebox Jury, I remember him every week scoring the hits and misses.

"And I was still listening to him just last month as he fronted his show The David Jacobs Collection on Radio 2."

Bob Shennan, controller of BBC Radio 2, 6 Music, Asian Network and popular music, said: "David was a legend in broadcasting, not only for the Radio 2 audience, but for the whole population. He was a true giant of the BBC, whose career spanned seven decades on radio and television.

"His broadcast hallmarks were great taste, authority and warmth. I am sure his audience will feel they have lost a friend, as we all do here at Radio 2."

Helen Boaden, controller of BBC Radio, said: "From Jukebox Jury to Melodies For You on Radio 2, David's effortless presenting style belied his consummate professionalism."

Jacobs's life was marked by tragedy. His only son, Jeremy, was killed in an accident in Israel at the age of 19. Two years later his second wife, Caroline, was killed in a road accident in Spain, carrying their unborn child, only weeks after their marriage.

Jacobs married Patricia Bradlaw in 1949. There were three daughters and the son Jeremy, who died after being hit by a lorry in 1973.

After his second wife Caroline died, he married Lindsay Stuart-Hutcheson in 1979. He is survived by three daughters from his first marriage.