11Alive is mourning the loss of a beloved and legendary figure in its newsroom, veteran reporter Jon Shirek, who passed away after a courageous battle with brain cancer.
Shirek, who retired just over a year ago in February 2024, dedicated more than 40 years of his life to journalism, with the majority of his career spent at WXIA. His legacy as one of Atlanta’s finest reporters and his deep commitment to his craft left an indelible mark on the station and the community he served.
Shirek’s career began long before he became a household name in Atlanta. A graduate of the University of Florida in Gainesville, he started his journalism journey at The Independent Florida Alligator newspaper and worked at WRUF-AM and WTLV-TV in Jacksonville.
However, it was in 1980 when he joined WXIA (11Alive), where he would go on to shape his career and become one of the most respected figures in Atlanta journalism. His unwavering dedication to telling stories that mattered to the people of Georgia made him a staple at the station for over four decades.
Throughout his career, Shirek became renowned not only for his ability to cover major stories but also for his ability to capture the heart and soul of every story he told, whether big or small.
His deep knowledge of the city and state made him an “archival expert” on all things Atlanta, as former longtime 11Alive anchor Jeff Hullinger shared in an emotional tribute.
Hullinger described Shirek as “one of Atlanta’s very best generational television reporters,” noting his eloquence, erudition, and the calm, measured voice that became a signature of the station.
Shirek’s remarkable work as a journalist was complemented by his profound understanding of the community he covered. He had a unique ability to connect with the people and places he reported on, always with respect and empathy.
As Hullinger remarked, Shirek’s voice was more than just a tool for storytelling; it was a symbol of trust and authority. For those who worked alongside him, Shirek’s impact was felt not only through his work but also through the relationships he built over the years.
He was known for being a mentor and guide to younger journalists, sharing his deep knowledge of Georgia and his wisdom with everyone in the newsroom.
Kristie Gonzales, President and General Manager of WXIA/WATL, paid tribute to Shirek’s unparalleled work ethic and kindness, noting that he was not only one of the best writers in the business but also one of the most compassionate.
She spoke of his ability to inspire and mentor countless journalists who had the privilege of working with him, emphasizing that Shirek’s humility and caring nature were just as impressive as his many accolades.
“He will be remembered as a legendary Atlanta journalist,” Gonzales said, “and the only thing more impressive than his humility was his compassion.” Shirek was deeply committed to the idea of journalism as a way to serve the public.
In his own words, he once described his “perfect day” as one spent trying to “see a little clearer into the hopes and triumphs and needs of our community, and reporting information that can help people.”
This simple yet profound philosophy guided his work for over four decades, and it’s clear that his dedication to making a difference in the lives of others was a core part of who he was.
As 11Alive remembers Jon Shirek, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and loved ones. His passing is a tremendous loss, not only to the 11Alive newsroom but to the entire Atlanta community.
He leaves behind a legacy of journalistic excellence, compassion, and integrity that will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps. His impact on Atlanta’s media landscape and the people he served is immeasurable, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
