Iconic ABC Radio Sydney presenter and Models saxophonist James Valentine has passed away following a battle with cancer.
For over two decades, the streets of Sydney were synchronized to a singular, rhythmic voice, a blend of dry wit, effortless jazz, and a genuine, inquisitive warmth. That voice fell silent on Tuesday, April 21, as James Valentine, the legendary ABC Radio broadcaster and musician, passed away at the age of 64.
Surrounded by his family at his home, Valentine chose to end his two-year battle with esophageal cancer on his own terms, utilizing voluntary assisted dying (VAD).
His death marks the end of an era for the ABC and the city he championed. To his listeners, he was the “Afternoon” companion who could find profound meaning in a mundane traffic snarl or a quirky neighbourhood dispute. To the music world, he was the sophisticated saxophonist who helped define the sound of the 1980s with the Models and Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons.
A Life Lived in the Key of Curiosity
James Valentine was a man of many layers. Born with a “big-brained” curiosity, he emerged from the Melbourne jazz scene of the early 1980s. While he initially harbored ambitions of being a pure jazz musician, destiny, and his undeniable talent pulled him into the orbit of Australian rock royalty.
As the saxophonist for the Models, he was part of the creative engine behind hits like “Out of Mind, Out of Sight,” blending a polished pop sensibility with his deep-rooted musicality.
Yet, it was behind the microphone at ABC Radio Sydney that Valentine found his most enduring stage. For more than 20 years, his “Afternoons” program was more than just a radio show; it was a communal town square.
He pioneered segments like “The New Normal” and “The Ex-Files,” inviting listeners into a conversation that felt less like a broadcast and more like a chat over a backyard fence.
“Doing It His Way”: The Final Act
Valentine’s final years were defined by the same grace and humor that characterized his career. After being diagnosed with esophageal cancer in March 2024, he remained remarkably candid about his journey.
In February 2026, knowing his time was short, he threw one last grand event: a farewell party at the Clovelly Surf Club on Valentine’s Day.
“How do I live these next days? What is a good death?” he asked his friends and family during that final gathering. He spoke of avoiding the bitterness and resentment that often accompany terminal illness, choosing instead to lean into laughter and music. His family confirmed that his final moments were “calm, dignified, and somehow still making us laugh,” a testament to a man who remained the master of his own narrative until the very end.
A Legacy of Warmth and Wit
The outpouring of grief across Australia has been a reflection of the deep connection Valentine forged with his audience. Fellow broadcaster Richard Glover noted that few individuals have done more to “lift the mood of a city” over such a long period. Valentine didn’t just report on Sydney; he lived it, critiqued it with a wink, and loved it unconditionally.
He is survived by his wife, Joanne, and their two children, Ruby and Roy. While the airwaves of ABC Sydney will feel significantly quieter without him, his influence remains etched in the music he played and the thousands of stories he helped his listeners tell.
James Valentine proved that you could be an intellectual without being a snob, a celebrity without an ego, and, above all, a good friend to a city that will miss him dearly.
