John Lawrence "Jack" Hogan

If people who only casually knew Jack, or maybe didn't know him at all...if only they could have known him as those of us who worked for him. He was, without question, the best news director and greatest judge of potential talent. And then he trusted you completely, and let you do your job. In my 12 years as an anchor at 6 and 11 and the producer and writer of the 11 o'clock news, Jack never once tried to suggest or tell me what to do. It was the most free anyone could be...and that is a wildly unusual blessing. Of course any suggestion or order would have happily been followed. But it simply wasn't done. Add to that the incredible end product of his news department, despite not going into two of the largest of four cities in the viewing area while the other stations went into all four, Jack's news broadcasts were Number One in the market. Rest in peace, great man.

I was so sorry to hear of Jack´s passing. Loved seeing him on TV, but I also always enjoyed his joyful personality while attending school events to support his kids. Hugs to Jackie, Scott, and Kristen!

Jack was a very dear friend of our family and my father Bill Corder who was the Program Manager at WZZM in the 1960s and 70s. Jack also served along side my father as one the Scout Masters in our local Boy Scout Troop 284. My heart is still filled with tons of fond memories of those days including countless campouts, Klondike Derbies, Pinewood Derbies, etc! Thanks to the humble example, principled leadership and compassionate mentorship of a select few people like Jack and my father, I earned my Eagle Scout rank during those years. Jack absolutely deserved the respect he received from the community and was indeed a very exceptional member of what I humbly consider to be the "greatest generation" in broadcasting.

My sincere condolences to the Hogan family. I have many fond memories of the years my dad, Tom Saizan, worked at WZZM-TV 13. From attending the children's Christmas parties and attending the BOZO show, to camping in Northern Michigan with the Hogans, and going to George Lyons' cottage on Lake Michigan; lots of laughs were always had! I always enjoyed visiting the TV station and seeing everyone there. Jack was always so cordial and cheerful. I think the last time I saw him, was in the check-out at Meijer one day. I was surprised, when I looked up, to see he was the cashier! Rest in Peace, Jack. It truly is the end of a broadcasting era!

Sorry to hear of Jack´s death.

Our condolences to Jackie and all the family. Miss seeing you all, and Scott since our kids grew up and we don't belong to the community pool anymore.
Jack was to me always the one big happy friendly man at family reunions or grandma holidays meets with the big old Lansing clan.
I remember so well one day when dad brought home a little old b/w rabbit ears tv to our home in Holland. He spent frantic time getting it to work with tin foil strings all over the living room in time to see his Jack's first new channel opening broadcasts. Wow, how super exciting to see Uncle-Cousin Jack in that little giant world. He gave me my big Triakaidekaphile button, I was gleaming as he taught me what it meant and how to spell it. I made the letters into a sort-of song to try to remember the spelling. About 60 ys later I wonder if I still got it right :-))
Adioas my Friend, Happy Trails to You, Until We Meet Again
-Don

Jack and I shared mutual respect as we worked in the Michigan broadcast news fraternity in my early professional career. Later, when I sought a return to Michigan from California, Jack made my life complete by hiring me as as a reporter and, ultimately, his assistant news director. They were the best broadcasting years of my life, and I will always be proud as a WZZM veteran. Memories of Jack always bring me happiness and grateful respect for having worked with an outstanding professional and remarkable human being.

Very sorry for your loss. Jack and I had some good times together, playing tennis, going to MSU football games, and talking MSU sports. He was a good guy.

A true gentleman in the TV broadcast industry. So sad to learn of his passing. Sympathies to his family. May his memory be a blessing.

Jackie and Family,
Bill and I are so sorry to hear of Jack´s passing. He was one of the best! We remember signing on with WZZM in 1962. What a crew we had, Jack helped hold us all together and get that station on the air! We have great memories of your whole family...remember the Christmas Tree get togethers? Hugs and prayers from us...Bill and Barb