Vale James Valentine: Broadcaster, Musician, Author

James Valentine, a veteran ABC broadcaster, saxophonist, and author, died at his home in Sydney at the age of 64. His family confirmed that he used voluntary assisted dying and passed away peacefully surrounded by his relatives. Valentine had been undergoing treatment for cancer since March 2024.

Health and Final Days

Valentine first announced a diagnosis of oesophageal cancer in March 2024, taking leave from his radio show for surgery. He returned to hosting but left again in June 2024 after scans revealed new tumors. In June 2025, he disclosed a diagnosis of cancer of the omentum, the tissue covering the stomach and intestines. He formally retired from broadcasting and died three months after leaving his ABC radio role.

In a statement, his family said he was "calm, dignified as always and somehow still making us laugh." They also stated he was grateful for the option of voluntary assisted dying.

Broadcasting Career

Valentine joined the ABC in 1987 as the host of The Afternoon Show for children on ABC TV. He transitioned to radio in the mid-1990s at ABC Canberra before moving to ABC Sydney in 1998.

He hosted the Afternoons program on 702 ABC Sydney for 22 years until late 2021, when he was named host of ABC Sydney Breakfast. He returned to the Afternoons program two years later.

His program was recognized with a Bronze Award for Best Two-Way Telephone Talk/Interview Show at the 2020 New York Festival's Radio Awards. He also hosted a jazz program, Upbeat, on ABC radio on Sunday mornings.

Music and Writing Career

Born in Ballarat, Victoria, on September 12, 1961, Valentine studied classical saxophone and jazz at Melbourne State College.

He worked as a session musician in the 1980s, performing with bands including the Models, Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons, Absent Friends, and Pseudo Echo. He appeared on ABC TV's Countdown playing saxophone in 1982.

He released an album, Debut, in 2009 and wrote several young adult fiction books. He continued performing saxophone with jazz bands until last year.

Tributes and Recognition

ABC managing director Hugh Marks described Valentine as a "trusted companion" for Sydney listeners and "a significant creative figure in Australian broadcasting." Former colleague Richard Glover noted Valentine's ability to engage Sydneysiders daily through creativity and social observation.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Valentine was "warm, generous, and worth listening to." Governor-General Sam Mostyn noted that Valentine was made a Member of the Order of Australia in the week prior to his death.

Personal Life and Legacy

Valentine is survived by his wife, Joanne Corrigan, and children Ruby and Roy. Memorial arrangements will be shared at a later date.

A two-hour retrospective on his career is scheduled for broadcast on 702 ABC Radio Sydney. James O'Loghlin has been presenting the Afternoons program since June, with a permanent replacement yet to be announced.