Longtime KTTS DJ dies at 63

Radio personality John Stephens Burk, who went by John Stephens on air, died Jan. 2 at Cox South after an eight-month battle with lymphoma. He was 63.

Stephens worked at KTTS for nearly 20 years during the 1980s and ‘90s. He was known for his sense of humor as well as his reputation as a “shock jock,” a DJ known for brash opinions, according to his obituary provided to Springfield Business Journal.

At the station, he started in the evening shift and eventually working his way to the morning drive on KTTS-AM.

“To his kids and those who knew him best, he was always goofy and big-hearted. He was also a natural showman, which made his vocation of choice the perfect fit,” Stephens’ daughter Holly Atkinson wrote in his obituary.

A writer and producer, Stephens helped KTTS secure first-place honors in 1983 from the Missouri Broadcasters Association, as well as recognition in 1988 by the local American Advertising Awards. In 1990, Stephens was one of five nominees for the the National Association of Broadcasters’ Marconi Radio Award.

Stephens is survived by his wife Kimberly Highbarger-Burk, his children Atkinson, Kelly Weatherford, Stephen Burk and Jodi Burk, and three grandchildren.

A visitation is scheduled 5-7 p.m. Jan. 7 at East Grand Church of Christ, 2220 E. Grand St., followed by a 10 a.m. Jan. 8 memorial service at the church, according to his obituary.