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Radio Star Valentine Dies After Cancer Battle
23 Apr
Summary
- Valentine was a beloved ABC Sydney radio host for over 20 years.
- He bravely announced his cancer diagnosis on-air in 2024.
- He also had a notable career as a musician and TV presenter.
James Valentine, a beloved figure on ABC Sydney radio for more than 20 years, has died at the age of 64. He was renowned for his inclusive style, thoughtful curiosity, and the deep connections he built with listeners on his afternoon program.
Valentine bravely shared his diagnosis of oesophageal cancer on air in March 2024, opting to continue his show with a positive outlook. His impact extended beyond radio; he was also a talented saxophonist who played with notable Australian bands and a television presenter.
His broadcasting career began to flourish at ABC Canberra in the mid-1990s, leading to a role at ABC Sydney in 1998. He found his true stride on ABC Sydney Afternoons, a program he hosted for 22 years, earning international recognition in 2020 from the New York Festivals radio awards.
Born in Ballarat, Victoria, in 1961, Valentine's early life showed a passion for music. He studied saxophone and jazz before embarking on a career as a session musician in the vibrant 1980s Australian music scene.
Valentine also ventured into television, hosting shows like 'The Afternoon Show' in the late 1980s. He later moved into radio, appreciating its live performance aspect and rhythmic nature, which he likened to music.
He is survived by his wife, Joanne Corrigan, and their children, Ruby and Roy.
