'Humble,' 'kind,' 'brilliant': Jacksonville reacts to death of WJXT's George Winterling
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Tributes to George Winterling, a longtime WJXT meteorologist and Jacksonville icon, poured in on social media after hearing of his death on Wednesday.
From his studio garden and chalkboard reports to his kind demeanor, some remembered him from their childhoods — others as the reason they became interested in meteorology.
“I grew up with George Winterling on our big box TV every night,” one Twitter user said. “And as a student, took a field trip to his personal, backyard garden. He was a smart, humble, salt of the earth man, beloved by his community.”
George Winterling, 1931-2023: Channel 4's groundbreaking TV meteorologist dies at 91
Earlier: Meteorologist George Winterling shares tales of life, weather in new book
“I adored George Winterling and am so sad he's gone,” another said. “I learned so much from him, and he inspired my lifelong interest in all things weather related. I took classes in college & still read everything I can get my hands on.”
Winterling retired from WJXT after over 50 years on screen and became a staple in the region for his reliable reports, including for his prediction of Hurricane Dora in 1964.
Jacksonville-based meteorologists and journalists have remembered him as a patient, constant force on the station.
Tim Deegan, meteorologist on First Coast News, thanked Winterling for his influence.
George Winterling blessed the earth for 91 years. I owe my career as a broadcast meteorologist in Jax to George. Thankyou George, I will be looking for clues in the clouds. #fcnstorm
— Tim Deegan (@fcntim) June 21, 2023
Vic Micolucci, WJXT anchor, commended Winterling on his career and personal character.
WJXT and our community lost a legend today. Iconic meteorologist George Winterling has passed away at 91. Grew up watching him, fortunate to have overlapped with him briefly. Kind, intelligent, humble, charitable. He did it right. @wjxt4 https://t.co/YQh5A6HHug
— Vic Micolucci WJXT (@WJXTvic) June 21, 2023
Others echoed his comments.
George Winterling was a legend in meteorology for many decades, but more importantly a kind man who loved his family and was passionate about serving his community.
I had the privilege of working side by side with George for a few years, and I'm better for knowing him. https://t.co/rtT0RsC7Bt— Brad Nitz (@BradNitzWSB) June 21, 2023
❤️ I worked with the legendary George Winterling when I was in my early 20s, straight out of journalism school, brimming with confidence I hadn’t yet earned. He was kind, patient and notably brilliant. A true professional from the golden era of local TV. https://t.co/6dAfBm16Qr
— Kim Wilson (@KimWilson) June 21, 2023
Mayor-elect Donna Deegan, a former television journalist, also took to Twitter saying the city “lost a giant.”
In addition to being just a wonderful human being and of course a great fellow Seminole, George Winterling set the bar for credibility in television meteorology. He was instrumental in many of the emergency preparedness measures we have in place today and first and foremost he… https://t.co/RRWmqZKIni
— Donna Deegan (@DonnaDeegan) June 22, 2023
Recently retired WJXT anchor Mary Baer remembered Winterling as the "guru of weather forecasting" but also as her friend.
Former WJXT news anchor Mary Baer pays tribute to George Winterling by sharing her memories and thoughts with us. Long-time Chief Meteorologist George Winterling passed away Wednesday at age 91. pic.twitter.com/KQAgRyYd3W
— News4JAX (@wjxt4) June 21, 2023
As a longtime fixture on WJXT, "flashback" videos from before Winterling's death showed glimpses of his time on screen.
#FlashbackFriday | Do you remember? ❄️☃️ We found this “Snow Dreaming” promotional video in our archives! It features @WJXT4Tom, George Winterling, Deborah Gianoulis and Sam Kouvaris! This sure brings back memories! pic.twitter.com/Zy9aqvUy10
— News4JAX (@wjxt4) November 4, 2022
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Colleagues, viewers react to death of WJXT weatherman George Winterling
