Jerome “YoJ” Ronquillo, a longtime Houston radio personality whose voice, humor and larger-than-life personality made him a memorable part of the city's broadcasting community, died October 29, 2026, following a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 57.
Ronquillo, born July 10, 1969, began his radio career at 104.1 KRBE Houston in 1994. Over the next three decades, he became a familiar voice to listeners throughout Greater Houston, entertaining audiences both behind the microphone and at live events across the city.
Whether hosting his on-air shift, broadcasting live from a Houston nightclub or recording a commercial for a local client, Ronquillo brought an unmistakable personality to everything he did. Known professionally as YoJ, he was celebrated by colleagues for his quick wit, infectious laugh and ability to make just about any situation entertaining.
KRBE paid tribute to Ronquillo following news of his death, remembering him as one of the most charismatic, hilarious and memorable people to walk the station's hallways.
"YoJ was the life of the party," the station wrote. "His one-line zingers during meetings would make us inappropriately crack up every single time!"
The station also remembered his passion for radio, food and Houston sports, particularly the University of Houston Cougars. His cooking was another source of fond memories among friends and colleagues, including his ability to smoke ribs.
"Everyone who met him whether it was 30 years ago or last week has a 'YoJ Moment' in their memories," KRBE wrote. "We will miss you forever YoJ. Your laugh echoes in our hearts forever."
Ronquillo was also remembered by former KRBE personality Paul “Cubby” Bryant, who shared a friendship with him spanning 32 years.
Bryant had launched a GoFundMe campaign earlier in 2026 to help Ronquillo and his wife, Maggie, manage the financial challenges of his cancer treatment. Ronquillo was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on January 1, 2026, and faced an intensive course of chemotherapy, procedures and ongoing medical care.
In announcing his friend's passing on Facebook, Bryant described Ronquillo as much more than a friend.
"He was my brother in every way that mattered," Bryant wrote.
Bryant remembered their decades of friendship as a collection of countless memories, laughter, and a bond that would be difficult to replace. He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to speak with Ronquillo by phone before his death and tell him how much their friendship meant.
Although saddened by the loss, Bryant found comfort in knowing his friend was no longer suffering and that family and friends had an opportunity to say goodbye.
"There will never be another quite like him, and I feel incredibly lucky that I got to call him my friend," Bryant wrote.
Bryant closed his tribute with a message that captured the humor and spirit Ronquillo was known for: "Keep them laughing up there."
Ronquillo leaves behind his wife, Maggie, along with family, friends, former colleagues and generations of Houston radio listeners who will remember the voice and personality behind the
