Another Bummer

GREG L. JOKERST, 54, died TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12th. Best known as JAY GREGORY to his listening audience, GREG had been a radio disc jockey for WJVM/STERLING, WYFE and WROK/ROCKFORD and KSTT/DAVENPORT. A memorial has been established to MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION. Condolences may be sent at www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com on the Internet.

Jay's passion, his emotion and love of this business sucked me right in. I was a punk kid when Jay helmed afternoons at KSTT. When he spoke to me, he would always use his index and middle finger together and wag them at me, always trying to emphasize a point. He drove in everyday from Sterling to do the show. That was cool that he did radio in the "big city" and still lived in a small town. Jay was a prince and one of those people in your life that you have lost touch with, but were hoping to someday say "thanks". He treated me with respect and dignity and told me I would go far. So, thanks, Jay. I learned a lot from you, more than you know. Be at peace. Chuck Hamilton, Rich Eriksen and now Jay Gregory. All bigger than life radio announcers who helped me along with my career and now all done too soon, all before 60.
Heavy sigh.

His official obit:
STERLING - Greg L. Jokerst, 54 of Sterling died Tuesday February 12, 2008. Greg was born on November 15, 1953 in Sterling the son of Warren and Virginia (Easley) Jokerst. He was a graduate of Sterling High School and attended Sauk Valley College from 1973-1974, during which he played for the Redmen tennis team. In 1974, he along with his doubles partner, Gary Helms, won the Illinois State Junior College Championship and proceeded to the quarterfinals of the National Junior College Championship, before finally being eliminated. Greg was recently honored by induction into the Sterling High School Hall of Fame. Greg (best known as Jay Gregory to his listening audience) had been a radio disc jockey. He later worked in marketing for Wahl Clipper Corporation, Sterling. Greg loved the outdoors and talking with people. He was an avid NASCAR racing fan and he will sorely missed. Surviving are his mother, Virginia Jokerst and his brother Dennis (Margie) Jokerst all of Sterling; his niece Staci Hayes of DePere, WI; and his nephew Ryan Jokerst of Chicago. He was preceded in death by his father, Warren Jokerst. A visitation will be held on Friday February 15, 2008 from 5-7 PM at the McDonald-Allen-Grennan Funeral Home, 505 1st Avenue - Sterling. Memorials in his memory to the Make-A-Wish Foundation would be appreciated.