KCJJ Co-Owner Janet Soboroff Dies After 2-Year Battle with ALS

Soboroff, 77, was a longtime community leader and radio station operator.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Janet Fay Soboroff, the co-owner of KCJJ radio in Iowa City, Iowa, has died at the age of 77 after a two-year battle with ALS. Soboroff was a former social worker, school guidance counselor, and community leader who helped run the radio station for about a decade after retiring from public service.

Why it matters

Soboroff's passing is a loss for the Iowa City community, where she was known for her decades of work helping at-risk children and her leadership roles with local organizations like the Old Capitol Kiwanis. Her death also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by those living with ALS, a devastating neurodegenerative disease.

The details

Soboroff passed away at her home on Tuesday morning. She co-owned KCJJ radio with her husband, Steve, and ran the station's office for about 10 years after retiring from her careers as a social worker and school guidance counselor. Soboroff was particularly proud of her work with adoptions and at-risk youth.

  • Soboroff passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
  • Soboroff had been battling ALS for 2 years prior to her death.

The players

Janet Fay Soboroff

The 77-year-old co-owner of KCJJ radio in Iowa City, Iowa, who passed away after a 2-year battle with ALS. Soboroff was a former social worker, school guidance counselor, and community leader.

Steve Soboroff

The husband of Janet Fay Soboroff and co-owner of KCJJ radio.

Janice

Janet Soboroff's sister.

Shane

Janet Soboroff's son, along with his wife Holly and their two children Charlie and Juno.

Patty, Chris, and Pam

Janet Soboroff's nieces.

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What’s next

Funeral arrangements for Janet Soboroff are pending through Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service.

The takeaway

Janet Soboroff's passing is a loss for the Iowa City community, where she was known as a dedicated community leader, radio station operator, and advocate for at-risk children and adoptions. Her fight against ALS over the past two years also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by those living with this devastating disease.