John Cermack a News4jax employee unexpectedly passed away in an accident at his home in Roanoke, Virginia recently. John Cermack also known as “Smack” was a floor director at News4jax. In the last few years Smack took a promotion and moved to our Roanoke-based sister station, WSLS. He spent 18 years working for Graham Media Group between the two stations.
John was described as kind, caring, funny as hell, and a master in the newsroom, and on the grill. However, the cause of the accident that took the life of John Cermack hs not been released.
Ashley Harding a fellow employee at News4jax announced the passing of John Cermack “Smack” on her official Facebook page on Friday, May 26, 2023.
Everyone, I was sent to breaking news almost immediately after the morning show.. from there, I was off to run some errands, then it was time to pick the kiddo up from school.
Now that I’ve had a few minutes to stop and just breathe, I’m still finding it difficult to process this news.
We at News4jax learned this morning that a beloved member of our family, John Cermack, passed away in an accident at his home in Roanoke, Virginia. We all called him “Smack.” Where that nickname came from, I still don’t know (lol). But for some reason, it fit. For many years, Smack was a floor director for us at News4jax, meaning he guided us through countless newscasts, ensuring they looked good for our viewers.
In the last few years, Smack accepted a promotion and transferred to our sister station, WSLS, in Roanoke. Between the two stations, he was employed by Graham Media Group for 18 years.
To say Smack was a great guy would be such an understatement. He was kind, caring, funny as hell, a master in the newsroom, and on the grill. No matter what I was going through, he’d always reassure me and fill me with confidence again.
Despite hundreds of people going in and out of our building every day, he had a way of making you feel special in that moment.
Smack, you’re already missed. Thank you for being you.
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