A Musical Beginning in Ballarat

James Valentine was born on September 12, 1961, in the regional Victorian city of Ballarat, the youngest of three brothers. Growing up in a household where radio was a constant companion, his mother worked part-time as a radio announcer at the local ABC station, immersing young James in the world of broadcasting from an early age. 'So really, my entire life, all 64 years of it, has been soaked in the ABC,' he later reflected during his farewell broadcast.

His passion for music ignited as a teenager when he first encountered jazz. Enrolling at Ballarat Grammar School, Valentine picked up the saxophone and honed his skills locally. He moved to Melbourne in the early 1980s to study jazz at what was then Melbourne State College, but the pull of performing proved stronger than formal education. Gigging around the city, he quickly made a name for himself on the music scene.

Rising Through the Ranks in Australian Music

Valentine's professional music career took off in his early 20s. In 1982, he joined Jo Jo Zep as a saxophonist, touring with the band and contributing to their energetic live shows. By late 1984, he had transitioned to the popular rock group Models, appearing on their hit albums Out of Mind, Out of Sight (1985) and Models' Media (1986). Bandmate Barton Price recalled Valentine's down-to-earth nature: 'We were probably a big deal in our heads, but James never took it that seriously. He was the most mature one in the band.'

His collaborations continued with Absent Friends in 1989-90, playing saxophone and clarinet on their album Here's Looking Up Your Address, and contributing to Wendy Matthews' Émigré (1990). Jazz remained a lifelong love; he conducted concerts throughout his career and picked up his saxophone almost daily, blending improvisation with his broadcasting style.

Entering the World of Broadcasting

In 1987, Valentine joined the ABC as the afternoon presenter on ABC Kids TV's The Afternoon Show, marking his entry into media. Though television didn't feel like the perfect fit, it opened doors to radio. Approaching 702 ABC Sydney manager Peter Wall for casual shifts, he filled in for John Doyle on the Afternoons program—and the chemistry with listeners was immediate.

Wall remembered: 'He was smart, he was funny, he's quite unique.' After stints at 666 ABC Canberra and mornings on 702, Valentine settled into Afternoons, a slot he would define for over two decades. His 30-year ABC tenure also included hosting TVTV, The Mix, narrating Come Dine with Me Australia (2010-2014), and presenting Upbeat on ABC Jazz.

Revolutionizing Talkback on ABC Sydney Afternoons

Valentine hosted 702 ABC Sydney's Afternoons for more than 25 years, transforming talkback radio into an interactive playground for social dilemmas, everyday dramas, and pet peeves—eschewing politics for human stories. 'I just always wanted to make a radio style that was very interactive. I fell in love with talkback really early,' he said.

His approach drew from jazz improvisation: relaxed, experimental, and audience-driven. Segments like 'The Done Thing,' 'What I Live With,' and 'Rant' became listener favorites, fostering a bungee-cord-like bond. Richard Glover, his daily hand-over chat partner, praised: 'He brought the spirit of jazz improvisation to talkback radio. He was the conductor. The audience was his instrument.'

Internationally recognized, he won a Bronze Award for Best Two-Way Telephone Talk/Interview Show at the 2020 New York Festivals Radio Awards. Predecessor John Doyle noted: 'You orchestrated a cast of many thousands... designing myriad forms of radio never heard before.'

Beyond the Mic: Books, TV, and Creative Ventures

Valentine's creativity extended to writing, penning six books including the sci-fi JumpMan trilogy for teenage boys and non-fiction drawn from his radio segments. On TV, he briefly hosted Breakfast from December 2021 before returning to Afternoons.

• JumpMan Rule 1: Finding the Traitor – Adventure in a time-travel world.
• Other titles explored social quirks from his show.

His polymath nature—musician, writer, broadcaster—earned him the rare ability to elevate guests and callers, as ABC Chair Kim Williams described: 'A vehicle for his guests and audience, rather than vice versa.'

Facing Cancer: From Diagnosis to Retirement

In March 2024, Valentine announced on air his oesophageal cancer diagnosis, taking leave for treatment. He returned later that year but scans in June 2025 revealed tumours in his omentum. Undeterred, he hosted until retiring on February 2, 2026, to prioritize family and health.

His farewell special with producer Jen Fleming revisited career highs: 'The chances of finding a gig that suited me so perfectly were vanishingly small. I could ask callers to make stuff up... What a huge buzz.' To The ABC obituary, he envisioned a 'joyful funeral' with Sydney's saxophonists and pop songs lifting the roof.

Voluntary Assisted Dying: A Choice on His Terms

On April 22, 2026, Valentine passed peacefully at home via voluntary assisted dying, surrounded by wife Joanne and children Ruby and Roy. His family stated: 'James did it his way... calm, dignified as always and somehow still making us laugh.' Daughter Ruby emphasized his advocacy: 'He wanted it to be something that people knew that he did... to lend his voice to why this is such a necessary thing.'

Days before, he received the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his broadcasting, musicianship, and arts advocacy. Governor-General Sam Mostyn cited his role in enriching public conversation and community.

Tributes from Leaders and Colleagues

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called him 'a national treasure... warm and generous... full of life.' ABC MD Hugh Marks: 'Warmth, wit and humanity... always about connection.' NSW Premier Chris Minns: 'Quirky, unique... interested and interesting.'

Simon Marnie: 'Full control right up until yesterday.' Deborah Thomas: 'Charming, charismatic, elegant.' Glover: 'Lifted the spirit of the city every day for 25 years.'

Listeners flooded airwaves: 'A trusted companion... part of everyday life.' The Guardian obituary highlighted his elevation of talk radio.

A Lasting Legacy in Australian Media

Valentine's influence reshaped talkback, proving radio could be creative, kind, and communal. His final AM honour underscores a career blending music, words, and connection. As Australia mourns, his voice—improvisational, humane—echoes in archives and memories.

Public memorial details pending. His story reminds us of broadcasting's power to unite, especially amid personal battles like cancer. For more on his life, visit his Wikipedia page.

Photo by Naomi Irons on Unsplash

The Personal Side: Family, Friends, and Final Reflections

Married to Joanne, father to Ruby and Roy, Valentine balanced stardom with grounded family life. Friends like Glover cherished their 'strangest of friendships,' filled with hilarity and insight. In his last hours, he delivered 'one final performance,' laughing amid dignity.

His journey—from Ballarat jazz kid to Sydney icon—celebrates curiosity and kindness. As Minns said, 'He will be hugely missed,' but Valentine's innovations endure.