Dr Micha Jazz, the long-time Premier presenter and influential Christian voice, passed away Wednesday morning after a battle with cancer. He was 71.
Known for his warmth, intellect, and joyful spirit, Micha Jazz, born Michael Morris, left a lasting mark on UK Christian media and the wider Church.
John Buckeridge, who worked with Micha at Premier, described him as “charismatic in every sense of the word, both in theology and personality". He added: "He was fun, a good listener, compassionate, and an incredible communicator. He was also an intellectual, earning a PhD in Aramaic, the language of Jesus, and was deeply interested in the early Church.”
Micha faced personal hardships with courage and faith. His first wife, Katie, suffered from multiple sclerosis, and Micha left a senior leadership role at the Evangelical Alliance to care for her in her final years. Buckeridge said: “He went through difficult times, ran out of money, but his faith held out. He hung on to Jesus even during desert times, and later experienced a new period of closeness to him”.
Gavin Calver, head of the Evangelical Alliance, remembered Micha as “full of life and energy, probably the cleverest person I knew, and yet one of the funniest. He lit up the room wherever he went, but he was full of joy. His faith shone through everything he did.”
Calver recounted childhood memories of holidays spent with Micha and Katie, calling him “Baloo,” a big, warm character full of joy, and said: “I wanted to be a bit like him growing up.”
Micha’s contributions to Christian life extended beyond broadcasting. He produced devotionals, led retreats, and mentored many individuals in prayer and spiritual growth. Buckeridge noted his pioneering work on the Premier devotional series Be Still and Know. He said: “Listeners can still access the devotionals he began. He would pray for people, listen intently, and empathise deeply. He made everyone feel valued.”
Micha’s faith journey was marked by depth and exploration. In later years, he converted to Roman Catholicism while retaining his charismatic gifts, including speaking in tongues. Buckeridge described him as “a man on a journey", seeking a dynamic relationship with Jesus.
Micha leaves a legacy of joy, mentorship and devotion. He served in leadership roles at Youth for Christ and Spring Harvest, and the Evangelical Alliance, and in his later years acted as a spiritual director and guide to many.
Calver said: “We are forever grateful for his years spent growing evangelical unity and helping the church make Jesus known.”
He is survived by his second wife, Jane.
