The staff of the Eufaula Indian Journal, McIntosh County Democrat and Cookson Hills Publishing is mourning the loss of a colleague, mentor and friend following the passing of longtime editor Jerry Fink.

Fink dedicated the past 14 years of his distinguished career to serving as editor of the Eufaula Indian Journal and the McIntosh County Democrat, becoming an irreplaceable part of the newsroom family and the communities those newspapers serve.

“He brought decades of experience, dry humor, a passion for learning something new every day and a genuine belief in the people and the communities we serve,” Shauna Belyeu of the Eufaula Indian Journal and McIntosh County Democrat, said. “With more than 50 years in journalism, Jerry earned many accolades and the respect of colleagues and readers alike. Even as his health declined, Jerry remained deeply dedicated to his work. He continued to focus on telling the story, showing up with the same determination and care that defined his entire career. Journalism wasn’t just something Jerry did, it was who he was. His commitment to the craft and to our readers never wavered. We are grateful for the time we shared, the lessons he passed on, and the many stories he helped tell along the way. Jerry will be deeply missed.”

Fink’s journalism journey began in the 1970s and spanned more than five decades, including stops at the Sequoyah County Times, the Tulsa World and the Las Vegas Review-Journal before he ultimately returned home to eastern Oklahoma.

Publisher Jeff Mayo reflected on that long career and the impact Fink made wherever he worked.

“Jack and I knew Jerry from when he started his career in the 1970s at the Sequoyah County Times,” Mayo said. “He left us and went to the Tulsa World, then Las Vegas Review. He was not someone who wanted to ever retire, so when he came back home, we were lucky he picked us to be his last gig. Jerry could get to the meat of a story, and tell it well. He will be greatly missed.”

Fink’s contributions to journalism were recognized statewide as well. Oklahoma Press Association shared that Fink was inducted into the organization’s prestigious Half Century Club last June, honoring his more than 50 years of service to the profession.

Those who worked alongside Jerry Fink remember not only a seasoned journalist with an instinct for strong storytelling, but also a man who believed deeply in local news and the power of community journalism.