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May 28, 2023

‘Thanks 4 30 Years’: Mary Baer & John Gaughan talk what’s next, share memories, reminisce on their storied careers

Marilyn Vaca, Digital Director, Jacksonville JACKSONVLLE, Fla. – The

Marilyn Vaca, Digital Director, Jacksonville

JACKSONVLLE, Fla. – The celebration continues for News4JAX Anchor Mary Baer and Chief Meteorologist John Gaughan, who announced their retirement from the station in April.

The two retired from News4JAX and hosted their last newscast with the station on May 31. In an hour-long special, News4JAX celebrates John and Mary's remarkable journey of 30 years of telling stories, making heart-working moments and keeping the River City informed.

Both retirees sit down with anchors Joy Purdy and Tom Wills to talk about their best hits, share their treasured memories and discuss what's in store for their futures as they move on from the station.

1992... the year Bill Clinton was elected president, the Olympic games were held in Barcelona, Jay Leno debuted on The Tonight Show and John Gaughan and Mary Baer joined the team at WJXT-TV, Channel 4 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Mary Baer came to Jacksonville after working as a news anchor and reporter in Columbus, Ohio. She started her television career at KTVL in her hometown of Medford, Oregon. Mary is a graduate of the University of Oregon's School of Journalism.

John Gaughan came to Jacksonville after working as the Chief Meteorologist at WFTV in Orlando. He attended the University of Maryland and was an intern at WRC-TV in Washington, D.C. John landed his first on-air job as Chief Meteorologist at WOLO television in Columbia, S.C.

READ: Mary's memoir after 30 years at WJXT | John's memoir after 30 years at WJXT

Both Mary and John have made an impact in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia that cannot be measured. Their work in the community and on TV — serving viewers during times of triumph and tragedy — are many.

Mary and John raised their families here and fell in love with the people and places in and around Jacksonville.

Professionally, John Gaughan was impacted greatly by his work with George Winterling, someone he admired and continues to admire. George retired in 2009.

Mary Baer followed Deborah Gianoulis on the anchor desk when Deborah retired in 2003. Mary Baer and Tom Wills have sat next to each other ever since.

When asked what she will enjoy most in retirement, Mary said, "Going to bed early! Actually, I’m really looking forward to spending time with my husband, Marty-- also, traveling, drawing pictures with my grandson, riding my horse and volunteering with our therapeutic riding program at our farm! You could say I’ll be riding off into the sunset! I plan to spend more time with my family and volunteering at our church. And while evenings spent at home will be a new experience for me, it's all a bittersweet change. I know I will miss bringing you the news."

John said, "Retirement? Forget that! I’m just getting started!"

To call this a bittersweet moment for everyone here at News4JAX is an understatement. We are filled with mixed emotions. Happy for our friends, John and Mary, sad that we won't see them every day.

"The impact John and Mary have left on this community for the last three decades has been immeasurable," said Vice President and General Manager Terri Cope Walton. "They have been part of the fabric of North Florida and South Georgia and helped to lay the foundation for excellence and commitment to community that The Local Station is committed to providing. They will truly be missed by the entire News4JAX family."

We want to wish both members of the Channel 4 family a Happy Retirement.....we will see you around!

Watch the on-air announcement below:

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