Why Chief Meteorologist Samantha Jacques Is Leaving WZZM 13

A familiar face to TV viewers in West Michigan just shared that she's closing the chapter on her TV career to focus on something very important.

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Samantha Jacques has been at WZZM 13 for the past 6 years.

She started out as the weekend meteorologist, and recently became the chief meteorologist after George Lessen retired.

Read More: Former WZZM 13 News Anchor Finds Great Success Starting Their Own Business

Why Did Samantha Jacques Leave WZZM 13

On Monday morning, Samantha Jacques shared a very personal goodbye on social media sharing that her time at WZZM 13 has come to an end so she can focus on something else very important, being a mother.

Jacques had her first child on June 19th, 2025

Credit: Meteorologist Samantha Jacques via Facebook

In her post online, she shared why she made the tough decision to leave a job that she loves so much.

I love this job. I love telling stories, tracking storms, and serving this community. Most of all, I love the people I get to do it with every day. But life has a way of changing your priorities. As the demands of both work and home continued to grow, I realized I couldn’t give either the version of myself they deserved. After a lot of thought, I knew it was time for a new chapter. You only get one chance to be the mom to young children, and I’ve been given an opportunity that will allow me to be more present during this season of life.

I love my job working in radio and can't imagine leaving, but when a major life change like the birth of a child happens I totally get it and commend her for focusing on her growing family.

You can read her entire goodbye post below.

Read More: WZZM 13 Anchor Alana Holland Announces Grand Rapids Departure