REMEMBERING JON ROTH, LEGACY ON WXJM 

Written by Emily Kalata

Jon Roth, a well-known alumnus of WXJM Radio, passed away on August 27, 2026, at the age of 50. 

Jon graduated from JMU with a degree in English, starred in the school's marching band, and lived down at an unofficial JMU Radio home called Spaghetti House. Although around his friends at JMU he was known as “Little Jon” it's clear that his legacy that he has left on WXJM and his mark that he has made in the world is overwhelming to say the least. 

Roth worked as a program director for four years straight at WXJM in Harrisonburg, which led him to WMUH in Allentown, PA, and then WDIY, where he served as a rotating guest for 13 years on “Good Clean Fun.” His love for college radio was something remarkable, and his work at WXJM has no doubt brought us to the beauty we are at today. 

Jon was more than just the sum of his periods on the radio; he played the drums in several bands throughout his life, even performing at the Kennedy Center in DC. His myriad of talents were remarkable, having passions in both freelance writing, becoming a published poet, spending some of his pastime at Muhlenberg College Summer Theater and Civic Little Theatre, and even starting on Better Living Through Records, his own personal startup music label. 

Jon was truly altruistic, volunteering to teach children to read during his time in DC, and constantly supporting the nonprofit organization “Manna on Main Street,” where he coordinated car shows to help raise funds to support this organization. truly was someone completely selfless, with a heart bigger than his own body. 

As just someone who has never met Jon, and speaking from the heart, I can say I wish I was able to learn about him before it was too late. Jon was clearly someone who took every opportunity in front of him to do something that he loved, and I can tell he didn't waste a single second. I read about these accomplishments that he's done, and I can only hope that I can go on to create things and live life just as greatly as he did. WXJM will always honor and remember Jon Roth as a unique and groundbreaking individual. 

Thank you, Jon, for your constant light and guidance for so many people on the radio. When someone leaves, as long as you continue to hold love and remembrance for them, as long as you have those memories and stories lingering in stations and homes, they are never truly gone. We were so lucky to have you. 

WXJM forever