Local

Youngstown native Jessica Ralston taking break from Columbus TV to mourn husband’s death

By Chris Pugh Mahoning Matters

Updated January 8, 2024 10:37 AM

Jessica Ralston and her husband, Jimmy Johnson Photo from Jessica Ralston Facebook page

A WFMJ alum said she’s taking time off from her TV morning news job in Columbus to mourn the sudden death of her husband.

Youngstown native Jessica Ralston serves as the co-anchor of the “Good Day Columbus” morning show on WSYX-TV and WTTE-TV.

She made the announcement on her Facebook page.

”These are not the words I want to share but they need to be said. I am taking a bit of a break from Good Day Columbus and hope to be back soon, when I can face the world again,” Ralston said. ”You see, I lost my best friend. My human. My person. He is gone. 14 years of laughter, tears and so much love is suddenly gone.

”I am shattered beyond belief and I have no idea what to do next or how to move forward. I am terrified. I am angry. I am lost.

”This grief and fear is like nothing I have ever known. Yet I do know that so many of you have experienced the same.”

Ralston continued: “I wonder how you survived. How you pulled yourself out of bed every day? How you made it through so much pain.

“I do not know if I will ever be whole again. I do not know if I will ever be ‘me’ again. I can not imagine getting on TV each morning and smiling and laughing as though my entire life hasn’t collapsed. I realize I am going to have to find a way to make it through. That’s what he would want.”

Ralston started her career as a news producer for WFMJ, serving there from 1998-2001.