‘I am Jazz,’ ” America’s Next Top Model ‘Producer
David St. John, a TV producer who worked on shows such as “America’s Next Top Model”, died on December 19 of the pancreatic cancer in Seattle. He was 56.
St. John, whose death was recently announced, started his career at MTV in the ‘Taildaters’ series, which came up from assistant to story producer. He continued to ‘America’s Next Top Model’, and Executive produced more than 100 episodes of the hit reality show.
St. John was passionate about emphasizing under -represented communities, especially while working on “I am Jazz”, who followed transgender Teen Jazz Jennings and achieved a Glaad Media Award. He went to work on ‘the TS Madison experience’.
His latest project, TLC’s ‘Jay & Pamela’, followed a committed couple born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta.
“To be in the job of David St. John, meant that you witnessed an amazingly clear light … always,” said Drew Tappon, head of unscripted development, programming & specials at OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network. “He made everything better. And he made sure you felt better. Simply put, he just made us all better. ‘
The family of Jazz Jennings said in a statement: “David was more than just the executive producer of ‘I am Jazz’ – he was family and we loved him deep. At our most challenging moments he lifted our minds with his warmth, Reassured us that everything would be good and gave us the power to share the journey of our family. And the legacy of ‘I am Jazz’ and a cherished part of our lives.
St. John previously experienced two craniotomies to remove tumors and became a voluntary encounter with patients preparing for brain surgery.
He is survived by his husband, Scott Darlington; his sisters, correct and rachel; his mother, Lynn; And Kirsten and Karen Fenwick, whom he considered his sisters.
Details about memorial services have appeared.
