RIP James Valentine

It was with great sadness that we learnt that beloved Sydney radio presenter, James Valentine, had died.

James brought joy and light and warmth to ABC audiences and to all who knew him. Tributes and memories flooded into the ABC. They came from the Governor General, the Prime Minister, the ABC Chair and Managing Director and ABC colleagues.

And they came from many many ABC listeners.

James was more than a broadcaster. He was funny, generous, and creative with a satirical, absurdist take on life. He was guaranteed to make you chuckle – and laugh uproariously. He had a way of bringing out the best in listeners, encouraging them to call in and share their stories.

There are some segments I remember vividly. His hilarious exchanges with H.G. Nelson on Sydney planning, where they would outdo each other with mad schemes for Sydney infrastructure – all while exposing planning shortcomings.

I particularly loved a regular segment where he'd encourage listeners to describe their household battles, to tell of something their companion did, that they could really do without. Something about the way James presented the segment made it always playful and witty, never mean or nasty.

As Richard Glover said: "Listening to his show made you feel good about your fellow Sydneysiders."

With James, presenter and listener formed a sort of personal bond.

James reminded us that there is no other medium quite like live radio. Podcasts, broadcasts, social media, all have their place, but nothing can replace the unique role that radio can play in our daily lives.

For generations of Sydneysiders, James was a trusted friend. He was the best of radio.

Read what some of our Facebook followers said

Please add your own contributions to our Facebook page. We'll gather them together to present to his family.

"James was wonderful company on my early morning walks with my dog during COVID. I was particularly impressed by his ability to be funny at that time of the morning. I also loved hearing his take on some of the absurdities of human behaviour that COVID exposed. James was one of a kind."

"Hard day today. Fluctuating from  to . Reminiscing & grateful that he was a big part of my life. An afternoon sanctuary from the realities of the bigger world that you couldn't control."

"As a kid still very much in single digits when The Afternoon Show first aired in 1987, James Valentine was the epitome of cool.  Always quirky and empathic without ever being condescending to his youth audience. I like to think he's now playing lead sax  in a heavenly jazz band with Maynard by his side. Farewell James and thanks for all the memories. RIP ."

"Condolences to his family. What a beautiful man. He made me laugh and smile."

"Whenever he was on air in Melbourne I loved it. And the Models with him were a dream."

"After the absolute void left when Andrew Olle passed so suddenly so long ago, I never realised how seamlessly and subtly Mr Valentine became the salve that healed."

"My heart to his wife and boys, what a heartbreaking loss, but what a wonderful man to have been in the front seat with."

"Crying is good."

"Such a wonderful man. So clever, witty and wise and now so terribly missed. RIP James. "

"RIP James Valentine you were the best, condolences to your family you will be missed."

"I was very sad to hear about this this morning. What a lovely man. He wrote me a lovely letter when I was a teenager."

"Thank you James, afternoon walks on the beach were made a whole lot happier listening to you. RIP, love you."

"James gave me so much joy as I drove around for school/ uni pick ups back in the Afternoon days. Thank you so much JV loved spending time in your presence "

"James you filled our lives with absolute joy. I can hear your dry laughter and visualise a wry smile in passing commentary of remarkable and so many monumental moments on our Air Waves. Thank you for giving us your followers the best of you on all levels of life."

"Thank you "

"We miss you James  RIP"

"I feel I have lost a friend, so sad. Been missing him on the radio but hoped for a miracle. Still- very pleased he could die peacefully as he wanted."

"Greatly missed"

"It's now 10pm, and I'm still so sad-every time a photo comes up memorialising him...I can't believe we have lost him."

"Irreplaceable."

"I am devastated that James is no longer around. I have loved listening to him every afternoon. May he rest in peace. I will be searching for videos/audios of his programs. "

"He was a lovely man. Clever, witty and kind. So very sad."

"Beautiful man so sad "

"He was such a part of our everyday life. Listening to his wonderful and witty thoughts and opinions was a joy. Loved tuning in when we were travelling too. Time passed quickly when we were listening to him. I’m so sad to hear of his passing. Condolences to his family and friends"

"I am SO sorry for James’s family - I have admired him for years. I heard him play the sax in a park in North Sydney several years ago. I also listened to him on the radio for years and loved him so much! RIP, James "

"Well done yesterday ABC. The day was devoted to James who will sadly be missed."

"One of a kind, he emitted kindness & intelligence & joy, a shock to hear he's gone "

"Like I lost my best friend."

Cassandra Parkinson
National President
ABC Friends

Read more:James Valentine made radio look easy. He was brave and generous on air and off