James Valentine memorial: famous friends, family and fans gather to farewell ABC radio host

James Valentine’s fans joined his family, friends, colleagues, and the entertainment industry in a moving celebration of his life at the Sydney town hall on Friday afternoon. The broadcaster and musician, who hosted ABC Sydney’s Afternoon show for 25 years, died last month at the age of 64. The talented saxophonist had been a fixture on the public broadcaster since he joined as host of the Afternoon Show for kids on ABC TV in 1987 after a decade of playing in bands including the Models. Silvia Colloca and Richard Roxburgh leave the memorial service commemorating the life and career of James Valentine. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAP Former ABC managing directors Mark Scott and David Anderson, governor general Sam Mostyn, television personalities Julia Morris, Gretel Killeen, Tony Squires and ABC presenters Dom Knight and Hamish Macdonald joined members of the public at the packed event, which was broadcast live on ABC Radio . The event was hosted by former ABC broadcaster and close friend Richard Glover. ABC Sydney listener, texter and caller Jacqueline Brewer was invited to speak about Valentine who was a “familiar voice” in her life even though they never met in person. “My status as an ABC Radio enthusiast, some might say ABC tragic, has brought me here today,” Brewer said. “James said on his Australian Story that he knew us listeners were all his friends. That he told us everything that happened to him. Comedian and TV host Julia Morris. …