JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Harry Reagan, a longtime News4JAX editorial director and a former Jacksonville City Council member, has died. He was 87.
His daughter says he passed on Thursday after complications from a stroke.
Reagan, who spent 23 years at Channel 4 from the late 60s to the early 90s, wrote and voiced editorials that took on major issues from civil rights to government accountability.
In a post on Facebook, Reagan’s daughter, Denise, wrote about his time as a “beloved television journalist” at WJXT.
It reads in part:
“Throughout those 23 years, he covered nearly every issue important to Northeast Florida, such as civil rights, education, government in the sunshine, and many others. Reagan knew the station’s watchdog role was paramount.”
A celebration of life will take place form 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, at the Jacksonville History Center, 314 Palmetto St., Jacksonville, Florida 32202. Please email denisereagan@mac.com if you plan to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The 5 & Dime Theatre Co. (the5anddime.org), where Reagan attended numerous performances with his family, or to the Jacksonville History Center (jaxhistory.org).
Plenty of remarks have rolled in from politicians to former colleagues. Take a look below:
Former News4JAX Anchor Mary Baer - Harry was a great influence on my career early on in Jacksonville. He was extremely helpful when I was covering city council back in the early 90s. He always had the best way of communicating his message, while keeping the community’s needs in mind. Jacksonville is a better place because of Harry Reagan.
Former News4JAX Assistant News Director Mal Redington - He truly loved this city, and served it as a journalist and councilmember. If there was a cause that would benefit the people of this city. Harry was always at the forefront.
Former News4JAX General Manager Bob Ellis - Harry Reagan was a true pioneer in local television. His work and the work of News4Jax to eliminate profound odor downtown from paper mills and tear down the toll booths on I95 were pivotal moments and part of the catalyst for Jacksonville becoming the great city it is today.
Former News4JAX Reporter Jim Piggott - Harry was a huge inspiration for me. His dedication to Jacksonville was amazing. He was always ready to help in issues that were vital to Jacksonville in both his work as editorial director and a City Councilman. I also remember he was big with the Jacksonville library and constantly doing work on renovating his Springfield home. One of the nicest guys I’ve ever known in politics. He was a friend and a mentor.
Former News4JAX Assignment Manager Frank Powers - Harry loved Jacksonville. From his time at WJXT, then on the city council, JSO, and the Friends of the Library, he dedicated his life to making this city a better place. His legacy is one we should all aspire to.
Jacksonville City Councilman Matt Carlucci - Harry Reagan was a dear friend and a true Jacksonville statesman. From his years as a powerful editorial voice at Channel 4 to his service on the City Council, Harry helped shape Jacksonville and led reforms we still benefit from today. I was privileged to serve alongside him and admired his commanding voice, his ability to articulate an issue, and his gift for reasoning with those who disagreed with him. Harry and his late wife, Rita, both left an extraordinary mark through public service in Jacksonville. Our city is a better place because of them. I loved Harry and will miss him greatly, and my heart goes out to his daughter and family.
Former News4JAX Digital Director Steve Patrick - I arrived at WJXT only a year before Harry left to run for City Council, but his impact on the station and the community were very apparent.
Years later, when I got involved with the Jacksonville Broadcasters Association, Harry’s impact was evident there, as well. He not only helped found the group, he spearheaded our effort to record oral histories with the pioneers of our profession - conducting the first dozen or so interviews himself. He remained active with the group I got an email from him earlier this year suggesting more influential broadcasters we need to get on the record!
Former Jacksonville Mayor John Delaney - Harry and I never agreed on policy or politics, but we never had an argument. He was on the City Council when I served as Mayor Ed Austin’s Chief of Staff—I don’t think we ever got his vote. But we liked each other, and we socialized down the years frequently. We could talk for hours disagreeing every minute, but never ever argued or raised voices—he valued open minded debate. I wish all politics was like that; the country would be a better place. He was always a gentleman. His wife Rita was a huge part of his career—they had a wonderful marriage and really almost operated as one being. She had a fun if not ribald sense of humor and could always make him—and me—laugh.
Former News4JAX employee Sam Kouvaris - Harry was doing editorials when I arrived in the early ‘80’s. Serious minded and fair, you could count on him to be the voice of reason in any situation. I didn’t always agree with what he and the editorial board promoted, but he brought reasoned approach to every opinion. Smart arguments, could always defend his position. A real pro.
Government Law Attorney and WJXT Contributor Chris Hand - Harry Reagan was one of Jacksonville’s greatest champions. His love for our community started at WJXT, where he engaged viewers on key issues as the station’s Editorial Director. That community engagement led to decades of public service. Harry was a successful member on the Jacksonville City Council, where he worked to reform the consolidated City of Jacksonville government. He returned to his communications roots while continuing his civic leadership at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office as Sheriff Nat Glover’s public information officer. Later in life, Harry advocated for our public libraries, historical treasures, and other causes focused on making Jacksonville the best possible city. Like his wife Rita, who passed away two years ago, Harry was the embodiment of effective citizenship. He was also a friend, mentor, and teacher to countless people. Harry will be greatly missed but he built a legacy of community impact that will continue to inspire others.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan - Harry was a trusted voice on every important issue in our city. As a journalist I always admired his straight talk and his clear eyed opinion pieces on channel 4. I remember when he was elected to City Council Deborah Gianoulis announcing that Jacksonville is wild about Harry! Harry too, was wild about Jacksonville. A public servant for the ages. He will truly be missed.
