San Diego Radio Icon Jerry Cesak Dies at 74

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, January 8, 2026 | 2:50pm CT

Jerry Cesak

Jerry Cesak, the longtime San Diego air personality best known as "Jer" from the Jeff & Jer Showgram, died January 4, 2026, at age 74. He passed away peacefully with his wife, Pam, at his side.

Born in Maryland, Cesak earned a theater degree from the University of Maryland before beginning what he jokingly called a "short 30-year diversion" into radio. His career took him through Washington DC, Baltimore, Minneapolis and Detroit, where he met his longtime on-air partner, Jeff Detrow. Airing under the names Jerry St. James and Jeff Elliott, the duo built a partnership that spanned three decades.

After successful runs in Detroit and Chicago, the team brought their listener-driven morning show to San Diego in 1988. Over 27 years, the Jeff & Jer Showgram became one of the city's most popular programs, delivering a blend of humor, empathy and community engagement.

Cesak's work earned multiple "Personality of the Year" honors from Billboard and Radio & Records. In 2016, Cesak and Detrow, along with executive producer Tommy Sablan, were inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame. Cesak retired from daily broadcasting in 2015, reflecting that radio "was never work... it's like high school with pay."

Beyond the airwaves, Cesak was a devoted advocate for animal welfare. He served on the boards of the Humane Society of the United States and the Rancho Coastal Humane Society, and co-founded the Unicorn Foundation with Pam to raise awareness about animal cruelty. His most recent contribution was helping establish Charlotte's Medical Center at the Rancho Coastal Humane Society, a facility providing free or low-cost medical care for shelter animals and foster groups.

Cesak is survived by his wife, Pam Cesak, and their animals Winston, Gigi, Savanah and Isabella. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Rancho Coastal Humane Society.