SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – It’s been a tough couple days for all of us at Capitol Media Group. On Friday, station staff learned the news that John LaTessa, WTAX Content Director and longtime technical director, passed away. He was found dead in his apartment in downtown Springfield.
John had been an employee of Saga Communications for more than two decades. He did most of the behind-the-scenes technical work that made WTAX run every day. If we’re being honest, we’re learning just now of everything he did to keep us on the air.
“Capitol Media Group was John’s family,” said Chris Bullock, Capitol Media Group Vice President and General Manager, in a communication to staff Friday afternoon. “We know what a huge Cardinals fan John was, and he LOVED working for us.”
John was almost meticulous about his work for us. He made sure programs got on the air, often ran Cardinals games on WTAX, making sure all our programs sounded smooth and timed out perfectly. He was also a voice on several commercials, including “Taste of the Town” and “Crime Stoppers.”
That’s how former WTAX Program/News Director Michelle Eccles remembers John as well. John started with WTAX in the early 2000’s, originally as a producer for the late One Eyed Jack, and stayed with the station after Jack’s departure in 2003.
“He would complain about having to come in early to run the board for a morning show remote, but he also loved making sure the show ran like a well-oiled machine when he was behind the board,” said Eccles. “He would always do any task asked, especially if it meant it made the station sound good.”
“(John) never panicked, seldom became overwhelmed, and was always there when you needed him,” said Alex Degman, another former WTAX News/Program Director. “That includes a brief period where our automation system decided to kick us off the air (what seemed like) a dozen times a day. John would sometimes beat me or be pulling into the parking lot at the same time as me to try to fix a problem that wasn’t his responsibility, but he was proud of what he did and always wanted to help where he could.”
John also could keep people on their toes in the best way.
“John had the best sense of humor, which probably helped him in having to deal with me over the years,” said Will Stevenson, CapitolCityNow Editor-in-Chief and WTAX Morning Newswatch host. “Often, if I had to call him with a problem that needed addressed, the call would devolve into quoting lines from movies like ‘Anchorman’ and ‘The Naked Gun.’ I think we knew just how to make each other laugh, often when we needed it.”
Station personnel will take on John’s work in the interim, as plans have not yet been made for a replacement. Funeral services have also not yet been announced.
“Say a prayer for him. He is at peace now,” said Bullock.
We’ll miss you, John, probably more than you would ever know.
