Legendary broadcaster James Valentine honoured with public memorial

Legendary broadcaster and talented saxophonist James Valentine will be honoured with a public memorial.

The late ABC radio host, TV presenter and musician died on April 22 at the age of 64, using voluntary assisted dying, two years after his cancer diagnosis.

Tickets to the memorial will be released “in waves” to help organisers cope with venue capacity.

“Together, we will reflect on the warmth, humour and generosity of spirit that defined his life, work and legacy, as well as his extraordinary contributions to broadcasting,” an ABC statement read.

“Due to limited venue capacity – and the many lives that James touched – registration is essential.”

The first round of tickets for the memorial will go live on May 15 at 12.30pm, with the next available batch being released next week.

The broadcaster was awarded an Order of Australia shortly before his death for his work on Australian TV, radio and music.

“As a pioneering broadcaster, gifted musician, and passionate advocate for the arts, his lifetime of achievement has enriched the public conversation and championed Australian creativity,” the Order of Australia citation read.

“On radio, screen, and stage, James has reminded us that conversation and community matters, and kindness belongs at the heart of public life.”

Valentine “passed peacefully” surrounded by his family following his long health battle.

“Both he and his family are grateful he was given the option to go out on his own terms. He was calm, dignified as always and somehow still making us laugh,” his family announcing his passing.

Speaking to 702 ABC Sydney, his children Roy and Ruby said Valentine was “a great dad”.

“I think that is something that we wanted to say – everyone knows he was such a kind man and so generous and compassionate, but he was just such a great dad as well,” Ruby said.

“That kindness and compassion came through for us as well.”