Overview:
Beloved WKRC News anchor John Lomax, who served for 39 years, passed away. He was praised for his contributions to various causes, including heart health and animal welfare, as well as his love for jazz music and photography.
Contributed
John Lomax, who was a beloved reporter and anchor for 40 years on the WKRC Local 12 news desk, died from complications with pneumonia on March 12. He was 72.
Mr. Lomax joined Local 12 as a reporter in 1983 and became a morning show anchor in 1990. He co-anchored “Good Morning Cincinnati” for 32 years, and retired from the station after 39 years in 2022.
WKRC released a statement saying, “John’s legacy will continue to live on in the Tri-State. It lives on through the multiple causes that he helped champion while he was on TV. He would constantly use his voice to help so many different people throughout the area.
Following the announcement of his retirement, tributes poured in, congratulating and thanking him for almost 40 years on the Local 12 news desk.’’
Outside of the newsroom, his contributions were countless. He volunteered for a number of patriotic events in Kenton County, including the master of ceremonies at the dedication of the Northern Kentucky 911 Memorial.
“He was just so warm and genuine and really passionate about the causes that were close to his own heart,” said Lori Fovel of WKRC. “A stroke survivor himself, Mr. Lomax considered promoting heart health as an important part of his community work. It led to the American Heart Association calling him the “ultimate champion.”
He was also part of the SPCA family. For years he hosted the Pet Telethon and made appearances at the Fur Ball. Outside of the SPCA, John was known to have a deep love for his two dogs “Johnny Cash” and “Snoop Dog.”
“John was a friend to the SPCA Cincinnati, one who believed in improved animal welfare for our city and supported our cause year-after-year. He will forever be respected and remembered not only as a journalist icon, renowned anchor, and media legend, but also as a compassionate, animal-loving soul. We will be forever grateful for all that John did for the SPCA,” said Mike Retzlaff.
“He was a never say no kind of guy. Any request he knew would benefit other people and lift other people up. John was there in a drop of a hat,” said Executive Director Tyler Bradshaw.
Besides giving back, Mr. Lomax also had a passion for two things, his love of jazz music and his love of photography.