“John here.” For all John Jarcho’s colleagues and friends at NEJM — which is to say everyone at the Journal, given John’s remarkable collegiality — this standard introduction to a John email speaks volumes about who he was. Though uncharacteristically succinct for the meticulous editor who explained to authors in detail his rationale for every proposed edit or query, the greeting evokes John’s humility, generosity, openness, and down-to-earth presence. He was just John, and he was here.
Dr. John Jarcho, former Deputy Editor for cardiology, died on October 13, 2022, from pancreatic cancer. He had stepped down from his position in August of 2021 to pursue treatment and as much enjoyment as he could squeeze in with his family and friends. His graceful approach to his final illness, even in the face of his self-acknowledged uphill battle, was genuine and bare-bones honest. And true to form, he stayed in touch, sending us full, frank updates on his life and condition, always upbeat despite the circumstances, always reassuring everyone else that he was getting excellent care and was managing fine. Unusually attuned to other people’s fears and worries, he was graciously inviting us along on his journey.
During his 17 years at the Journal, John’s grace allowed him to juggle the demands of many prominent authors, to push them — and especially himself — toward perfection and still maintain their respect and gratitude. He achieved this feat by setting aside his own ego for the wider good and the higher purpose of getting the science and the words right, even though he was forever making more work for himself in the process. John always did his homework, asked the key questions, and worked with authors to ensure that what we published was cleanly supported by the data. With his incisiveness, diligence, and dedication, John helped shape the field of cardiology.
In the editorial office, John’s fastidiousness — paired with his kindness — endeared him to his colleagues in the manuscript editing and production departments. John’s success in obtaining the best, most cutting-edge cardiology research and in making the Journal the premier trusted partner to large professional societies in cardiology translated into numerous fast-track article submissions before each of several major meetings each year. John made the process as easy and smooth as possible for everyone else, and he always genuinely acknowledged their hard work and expertise.
John had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and important. Despite the many other demands on his time, he never rushed through encounters with other humans, whether they were old friends, newly hired deputy editors or staff, unknown fellowship candidates, or medical students. He clearly loved people and always seemed not only willing but eager to share stories, provide advice and guidance, or get to know someone new. And whether you were new or old, it wouldn’t be long before you would be laughing with John, who had a wry sense of humor and a resounding, infectious laugh.
Bringing the same humor, humility, generosity, and pursuit of excellence to his cardiology practice, John was a superb and caring clinician. A sign on John’s office door (made years ago by his daughter) aptly noted that “The Doctor Is In,” perfectly capturing John’s ready availability to assist others. When a member of the Journal staff sought his help with a heart problem, John was the first physician to take a careful history, thereby uncovering a previously unrecognized familial condition. As in his editorial work, he never left a stone unturned. And his generosity of spirit could not be contained in one hospital or city; for years, John volunteered for annual stints at a Navajo Nation health care facility in New Mexico.
In his leisure time, John participated with gusto and joy in community events, such as the yearly mini-operas produced for the Ig Nobel Prize award ceremonies and by the North Cambridge Family Opera. And he traveled near and far with the family he adored — his wife, Jean, and their daughter, Abby.
As more than one of his fellow editors crystalized our shared sense of him, John was, above all things, a mensch. Here at the Journal, he represented all that was best — a dedication to both our mission and our friendships. What a huge loss not to have John here. We will miss him dearly.
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October 20, 2022 at 04:01AM
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John Jarcho, M.D., Beloved Colleague and Friend, 1957–2022 | NEJM - nejm.org
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