EL CAJON, CA- James (Jimmy) Valentine
With great sadness the family wishes to convey the passing of James Valentine, on June 21, 2018 at the age of 76.
Jimmy’s career in Television and Radio, in production and as announcer, spans decades. A career that was well suited to him. His speech was very articulate, and he had a wonderful speaking voice. Jimmy was a people person and his job brought him in contact with a wide variety of interesting and knowledgeable people. He began in the mailroom at Channel 10 in Albany, NY. His career took him and his family across the states, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Kentucky and Texas. Jimmy and his family settled in El Cajon, California, where he retired after many years, as Radio announcer and producer at KOGO Radio San Diego. He was a free spirited and adventuresome man. Once hopped a freight train and traveled miles as the hobos did. He was a Harley man. Loved riding that Harley and the freedom of the open road. He rode cross country to Washington D.C., with Run for the Wall. Jimmy and his wife, Noreen would take many trips in their RV. Whether it was taking small little trips to the beaches on the Pacific Coast or driving from California to NY.
Jimmy served in the Army during the Vietnam era. He was passionate about seeing that our Military men and women and their families were cared for. He belonged to several volunteer organizations that help military families. After 9/11, he was instrumental in helping to created Homefront San Diego, which was an organization that helped provide for military men, women and their families in the San Diego area. They help with repairing cars, finding furnishings and appliances for homes when needed. They helped with the cost of rent, utility bills or providing groceries. They were there for our military personnel, whatever unexpected circumstances might come their way. And Jimmy was there to see that they received that help, right up to the time of his passing. Jimmy will forever live in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Besides his parents, Jimmy was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Warren R. West of Newcomb.
He is survived by his loving wife and soulmate, Noreen (West) Valentine, of El Cajon, CA; his son, Ralph Valentine and his wife, Veronica of Hastings, Nebraska; his daughter, Karen Valentine of Hastings, Nebraska; his grandchildren, Justus, Loree, Aiden, Serenity, Clara, Haley and Dagny; and his great grandson, Alfonso. He is survived by his mother-in-law, Betty West (Newcomb) of Glens Falls; brothers and sisters-in-law, Brooke and Denise Howard of Hudson Falls, Paul and Bonnie West of Queensbury, Larry and Dorie Lapine of Warner Robins, GA, Ron and Antionette LaCourse of Lake Royale, NC, Sharon West and her fiancé, Richard LaClair of Dresden. He is also survived by many nephews and nieces.
A service for Jimmy will be held at the Gerald B. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Friday, September 14, at 11:00 a.m. Escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders with Full Military Honors provided by the Hudson Falls American Legion Post 574 Color Guard.
The family sincerely thanks Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. for their care and compassion during this solemn time.
Local arrangements have been entrusted to Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY.
Online condolences may be made by visiting carletonfuneralhome.net