AceShowbiz - The Australian music and broadcasting community is mourning the loss of James Valentine, a multi-talented saxophonist, author, and radio presenter, who passed away at the age of 64 after battling cancer.

James Valentine was widely recognized for his contributions to Australian music as a member of the band Models, which earned a place in the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2010. His work extended beyond music into broadcasting, where he gained millions of fans and received international accolades for his engaging radio programs.

Valentine's family shared a heartfelt statement on April 23, revealing that he "passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family, who adored him." This loss has deeply affected both the music and broadcasting worlds in Australia.

As a skilled jazz saxophonist, Valentine was a prominent figure in the 1980s Australian music scene, performing and recording with several notable bands and artists including Models, Absent Friends, the Wendy Matthews Band, Jo Camilleri, Stephen Cummings, and Kate Ceberano.

His most commercially successful work came with Models on their fourth album, Out of Mind, Out of Sight, which reached number 84 on the Billboard 200 chart in 1986 and remained there for 18 weeks. This album featured three top 40 hits in Australia: "Big on Love," "Barbados," and the title track "Out of Mind, Out of Sight." The latter also achieved international success, hitting number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100 and charting for 13 weeks.

During the 2010 ARIA Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Sydney, Valentine stood alongside his former bandmates to celebrate their legacy. The occasion was bittersweet as it came just days before the tragic death of fellow band member James Freud.

Reflecting on their time together, Models drummer Barton Price remarked to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that while the band considered themselves significant, Valentine remained humble and grounded. Bandmate Roger Mason described him as "the most mature one in the band," highlighting his down-to-earth nature.

Beyond his stage presence, Valentine excelled in broadcasting, hosting radio and television programs for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) for over three decades. He was a familiar voice on the 702 ABC Sydney Afternoons radio show for more than 20 years, where his curiosity and empathetic interviewing style made his program popular well beyond Sydney.

In 2020, Valentine's radio work was internationally recognized when he won a Bronze Award at the New York Festival's Radio Awards for Best Two-Way Telephone Talk/Interview Show.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Valentine, calling him "someone who was always worth listening to" and praised his vibrant personality. Albanese extended his condolences to Valentine's family, friends, and the ABC community.

ABC Chair Kim Williams lauded Valentine as a "creative polymath," while New South Wales Premier Chris Minns remembered his "quirky, unique way of talking with people in Sydney," emphasizing how Valentine was both genuinely interested in others and interesting himself.

Recently, Australia's Governor-General Sam Mostyn announced that Valentine was honored with the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) award, recognizing his exceptional service and achievements. Mostyn described Valentine's ideas as "lovely, gentle, sensible, really important things about how community comes together and how we all have a role to play."

Garry Gary Beers, bassist for INXS and fellow member of Absent Friends, expressed his admiration for Valentine as a "truly great sax player and a very very decent guy." Beers recalled Valentine as someone who was "always smiling, always happy to be in the moment and a guy you could depend on."

In March 2024, Valentine publicly revealed he had been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and took a leave from his radio show to undergo treatment. Though he returned briefly in 2025, scans in June revealed a tumor in his omentum, prompting him to step away once more to focus on his health.

James Valentine is survived by his wife Joanne and their two children, leaving behind a rich legacy in both Australian music and broadcasting.

His passing marks the end of a remarkable career that touched countless lives through his vibrant music performances and empathetic radio presence. Tributes continue to pour in from fans, colleagues, and public figures, all celebrating the life and work of this beloved cultural figure.