Jerry Cesak Death: San Diego is mourning the loss of a true broadcasting legend. Jerry Cesak, affectionately known to millions as “Jer” from the iconic Jeff & Jer Showgram, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026, at the age of 74, surrounded by love and in the arms of his devoted wife, Pam.
Born in 1951 in Maryland, Jerry Cesak earned a theater degree from the University of Maryland, initially envisioning a future on the stage. That path soon evolved into what he jokingly described as a “short 30-year diversion” into radio broadcasting—one that would ultimately shape the sound and soul of morning radio for generations of listeners.
Jerry’s radio career began in Washington, D.C., before taking him through Baltimore, Minneapolis, and Detroit, where he met his longtime radio partner, Jeff Detrow. Performing under the names Jerry St. James and Jeff Elliott, the duo formed one of the most enduring partnerships in radio history. Their chemistry, humor, and authenticity carried them through successful stints in Detroit and Chicago before they arrived in San Diego in 1988.
It was in San Diego where the Jeff & Jer Showgram became a cultural institution. For 27 years, the show dominated morning radio, blending sharp comedy with heartfelt storytelling and deep community engagement. What began as a radio program evolved into a shared daily ritual for their famously devoted “eleven” listeners, becoming the most popular radio show in the city’s history.
The show was also a powerful force for good. Jerry helped lead landmark community events, including the post-9/11 Human American Flag, which drew more than 110,000 people, as well as beloved traditions such as the Jingle Ball holiday concerts benefiting Becky’s House, Whirl Till You Hurl, and the Chargers Human Bolt.
Throughout his career, Jerry received numerous honors, including Personality of the Year from both Billboard Magazine and Radio & Records. In 2016, Jerry and Jeff were inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, cementing their legacy as pioneers of listener-driven radio.
Jerry retired from daily broadcasting in 2015, famously reflecting on his career by saying, “Radio was never work. We always had so much fun every single day—it’s like high school with pay.”
Beyond the microphone, Jerry Cesak was a passionate and tireless advocate for animal welfare. He served on the boards of the Humane Society of the United States and the Rancho Coastal Humane Society, using his voice to protect those without one. Together with Pam, he founded the Unicorn Foundation, producing the touring multimedia show Bless the Beasts to raise awareness about animal cruelty nationwide.
Jerry played a pivotal role in the passage of Proposition 2, legislation that ended suffering for millions of farm animals. His most recent and lasting contribution was the creation of Charlotte’s Medical Center at the Rancho Coastal Humane Society—a 5,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility providing free or low-cost medical care to shelter animals and rescue groups.
His creativity extended into writing and theater. Jerry authored the beloved children’s book My Personal Panther, a Mom’s Choice Awards selection, and wrote and directed the play Nickels & Dimes, which sold out 16 performances at the Lyceum Theater, raising funds for animal causes.
Jerry Cesak is survived by his wife, Pam Cesak, and his cherished animal family: Winston, Gigi, Savanah, and Isabella.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Rancho Coastal Humane Society, an organization that reflects Jerry’s lifelong mission of compassion.
As Jerry often said, life comes in chapters. His was one filled with laughter, empathy, creativity, and unwavering kindness. San Diego has lost a voice that defined an era—but his legacy will continue to echo for generations to come.
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