Jerry Taft Biography – Jerry Taft Wiki

Jerry Taft was an American meteorologist. He served as a meteorologist at ABC 7 Chicago for 33 years before retiring in January 2018.

At the time of his retirement, Taft said, “While I still have my health, wit and vitality it’s time to hang out with my real family, assuming they still remember me. And I also need to hit the golf course while I still have a single digit handicap.”

He was a captain in the Air Force in Texas when he took the local weatherman in San Antonio up for a publicity flight for the military. Then, that weatherman turned the tables and put Jerry on the air.

His first on-air job was at KMOL, the NBC affiliate in San Antonio, Texas. In 1977, he joined NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5. He then joined ABC 7 in August 1984.

Jerry Taft Age

He was born on March 14, 1943. He died on July 23, 2020. He was 77 years old.

Jerry Taft Wife

Jerry Taft was married to his wife Shana Taft.

Jerry Taft Children

Jerry Taft had four children Skylar, Storm, Dana, and Jay. His son, Storm, graduated from the University of Chicago in 2019. In June 2013, his daughter graduated high school. On June 7, 2013, he wrote on Facebook: “Daughter graduated high school yesterday. One more to go in 2015. Seems like yesterday they were in the back in car seats.”

Jerry Taft Family

Jerry Taft was married twice. He married his first wife at age 19 and they had their first child soon after. He went on to marry his second wife, Shana Taft, to whom he remained married until his death on July 23, 2020. Taft and his second wife, Shana Taft, had two children; Skylar and Storm. He also had two other kids; Danna and Jay.

Jerry Taft Death

Jerry Taft died on July 23, 2020, at the age of 77. ABC 7 Chicago announced his death on Twitter: “We are mourning the loss of Jerry Taft, who served as a meteorologist at ABC7 for 33 years. He was 77.”

Jennifer Graes, vice president of news at ABC 7 said in a statement: “To say Jerry Taft was one-of-a-kind is a true understatement. His infectious laugh and sense of humor lit up our newsroom and connected with our audience. We are all so much better for knowing him. Our hearts go out to Shana and Jerry’s children.”

Tracy Butler said in a statement to ABC7: “Jerry was dedicated to the March of Dimes for decades and the Sunshine Rally was a rally where we would all gather in the month of April and meteorologists from throughout the Chicago area would come together and give a forecast for the big March of Dimes Walk. Jerry spearheaded this for years and I know he is so well respected by meteorologists in this city and around the country as well.”

Tracy Butler tweeted: “It is with a very heavy heart that I share the passing of our dear Jerry Taft with you. Jerry was instrumental in my coming to @ABC7Chicago I can hear that laugh. Wow…I can hear that laugh. Miss you, pal. My deepest sympathy to his family.”

WBBM Newsradio Morning Anchor Pat Cassidy tweeted: “I’m totally distraught by the death of Jerry Taft. We were part of the Good Morning Guys team on country music WMAQ 40 years ago. He always had a sunny disposition and was very serious about his meteorology. RIP Jerry.”

Retired news anchor Ron Magers said, “I called Jerry the brain without a filter. He said what was on his mind, sometimes to his chagrin, but always with honesty and more often with entertaining results. My favorite moments were when he was on the air and something ran through his mind that amused him to the point he would try to choke back the laughter and almost couldn’t continue. That giggle and laugh will forever warm my heart.”

Jerry Taft Cause of Death

Jerry Taft’s cause of death was not revealed.

Jerry Taft Salary

Jerry Taft had an annual salary of $300,000, working as a Chicago meteorologist for ABC 7.

Jerry Taft Net Worth

Jerry Taft’s net worth was estimated to be $1.5million.