Jerry Cesak Obituary – Death: San Diego and the radio broadcasting world are mourning the loss of Jerry Cesak, the beloved radio personality known to millions as “Jer” from the iconic Jeff & Jer Showgram. Cesak passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026, surrounded by love, in the arms of his wife, Pam. He was 74.
Born in Maryland, Jerry Cesak earned a theater degree from the University of Maryland before beginning what he jokingly referred to as a “short 30-year diversion” into radio broadcasting. His career began in Washington, D.C., and carried him through Baltimore, Minneapolis, and Detroit, where he met his longtime on-air 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.
After successful runs in Detroit and Chicago, Jeff and Jer brought their morning show to San Diego in 1988. The program quickly became the most popular radio show in the city’s history. For 27 years, the Jeff & Jer Showgram delivered laughter, empathy, and community connection to their devoted listeners, affectionately referred to as “the eleven.”
Beyond entertainment, Jerry Cesak used his platform to unite communities and inspire generosity. The show was responsible for numerous landmark events, including the post-9/11 Human American Flag, which drew more than 110,000 participants. Other signature events included the Jingle Ball holiday concerts benefiting Becky’s House, Whirl Till You Hurl, and the Chargers Human Bolt.
Throughout his career, Cesak was honored as Personality of the Year by both Billboard Magazine and Radio and Records. In 2016, Jeff & Jer were inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, cementing their legacy as one of the most influential radio duos of all time. Jerry retired from daily broadcasting in 2015, once remarking, “Radio was never work. We always had so much fun every single day, it’s like high school with pay.”
Outside the studio, Jerry was a passionate and lifelong advocate for animal welfare. He served on the boards of the Humane Society of the United States and the Rancho Coastal Humane Society. Together with his wife Pam, he founded the Unicorn Foundation and produced Bless the Beasts, a multimedia show that toured the country raising awareness about animal cruelty. He also played a key role in the passage of Proposition 2, which ended suffering for millions of farm animals.
One of his most recent and lasting contributions was the creation of Charlotte’s Medical Center at the Rancho Coastal Humane Society, a state-of-the-art facility providing free and low-cost medical care to shelter animals and foster groups.
Jerry Cesak was also a gifted writer and creative force beyond radio. He authored the 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 to benefit animal causes.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Pam Cesak, and his cherished animal family: Winston, Gigi, Savanah, and Isabella. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Rancho Coastal Humane Society.
As Jerry often said, life comes in chapters. His was filled with humor, compassion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to making the world kinder. Jerry Cesak’s voice may be silent, but his legacy will continue to echo through the lives he touched and the community he helped build.
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