My source says he succumbed to complications following his double-bypass surgery. I took this photo in February 2025 at the Microsoft 50th anniversary party in San Francisco.
R.I.P.
–Scott Mace
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I used to read John’s columns in PC Magazine, the only imported computer magazine I read, and later loved it, when he was on TWiT as a regular. I also listened to No Agenda for a while, even being an executive producer on an early episode, but at some point it went from being fun and informative to being just out there nonsense, which is when I pretty much lost track of him.
I mostly remember John writing in Boardwatch magazine, and then later in PC Mag. It’s probably fair to say that there was a time when I mostly bought PC Mag on the news stand just to read him. I remember buying a license for iRider, that tab based browser based on IE, when he recommended it. I was sad when he seemingly ceased being informative and went full on into “crank” territory.
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Where have you heard this? A quick Google search does not show anything regarding his death.
If this is confirmed, then I am gutted. For myself, for him, and for his family, we got to know something of his spouse, Mimi Smith-Dvorak, when she guest-hosted during his hospitalization. Sounds like an exceptional woman. I bought a couple of copies of her, “Too Many Eggs” book and gave one to my mother-in-law who keeps chickens. I’ve been a “No Agenda” listener since its inception. I stopped watching mainstream news directly as a result; getting it filtered from Adam and John seemed a more appropriate way to keep my “amygdala” the proper size. As Adam says every show, “connection is protection.” Wonder what things will look like w/o him. The show should probably go into a mourning hiatus for a time to give people space time to process, connect, and consider the future. I hope this news is mistaken.
It has not been reported publicly yet.
It was just announced in the weekly No Agenda newsletter. An incredibly sad day
It’s now confirmed in the No Agenda newsletter. A tribute episode will air tomorrow.
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I was first introduced to JCD as a young kid interested in computers, flipping through PC Mag out of the bathroom reading rack at my aunt and uncle’s house and finding his columns. As an older young man I enjoyed watching JCD on episodes of TWiT. I particularly enjoyed the shows that paired him with co-guest Jolie O’Dell, I got a kick out of their banter. I appreciate the reasons why he was no longer invited, it is what it is. JCD’s plug for No Agenda on TWiT is what introduced me to his podcast with Adam, and No Agenda has been in my rotation since. I thank Leo for having John be part of the TWiT journey, and prayers for Mimi and the family
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I haven’t kept up with his work but watched a ton of Silicon Spin back in the day (along with TwiT, of course).
RIP.
Just like Leo, John and his unique style was one of the major drivers of my tech addiction. My tech universe was a great place with him in it. His sometimes (ok, mostly) acerbic takes on tech and the world had a way of keeping you grounded and made you think, even if you didn’t agree with everything he said. He will definitely be missed. 
I’m sorry to hear of his passing. My first introduction to him was on CNET TV on the SciFi channel.
While I haven’t kept up with him over the years, it was always good to see him when he appeared on TWiT.