IN MEMORIAM - JIM ANGEL

Popular radio broadcaster Jim Angel attended mass at St Michael's Catholic Church in Mittagong on Christmas Eve. Earlier that day he signed off from the breakfast show on 107.1 Highland FM wishing listeners well for the holiday break ahead, a break that he and his family also planned to enjoy. However, these were his last public appearances. Late on Christmas Eve Jim suffered a massive stroke and passed away within hours. So suddenly and unexpected, one of the most distinctive voices ever to grace the Australian airwave was silenced.

Jim's lengthy broadcasting career took him though a remarkable 24 years in radio news at 2SM. His voice on the former pop music juggernaut was arguably more recognisable than some of the jocks who surrounded him. In 1988 it was over to 2UE where he appeared along side Alan Jones and John Laws. Jim ended his days in commercial radio in the early 2000s with Macquarie National News 2GB/2CH chalking up the claim of the longest serving newsreader on Sydney commercial radio.

But Jim could not stay away from the mic in retirement when he moved the Southern Highlands of NSW. Radio, after all, was in his blood. His father Don Angel was a former war correspondent and the founding News Director of Radio 2UE. As part of assimilating into his new life Jim signed on as a volunteer with 2WKT (Highland FM). Before long he was regularly back 'in the chair and on the air' much to the delight of the local community – many of whom had no doubt heard that razor sharp voice somewhere before.

On Wednesday 2 January 2008 Jim, a devout family man, returned to St Michaels to be farewelled. Hundreds of mourners packed the church with many others remaining in the grounds to hear the formal Catholic service piped outside though a PA system. Had the one-time voice of radio news been walking in the street alongside the church he might have said to himself, "Er, so what have got here. Looks like a crowd big enough to make news. I better phone this one into base". Fortunately others in attendance called it in. In doing so they showed deep respect to the memory of a fallen comrade. A report on the service led the midday bulletins on three of Jim's former stations: 2UE, 2GB and 2CH.

Among the formalities of the service came a number of brighter moments deflecting the obvious grief and sadness. The Eulogy was made in two parts; first by Jim's 18 year son David, himself a part-time broadcaster on Highland FM. David's father and grandfather would have been proud as Angel, the younger, gave a confident delivery of memories about 'the private' Jim: the father, the husband, the grandfather, the loyal friend. Add ‘teacher’ to that list, for it was Jim who guided David through his presentation work with the radio station and in a range of sporting activities.

The second part of the Eulogy, spoken with tremendous warmth and good humour by 2UE Program Director Greg Byrnes gave insight to Jim the radio man: behind the scenes. Greg recalled first meeting a track suit clad Jim in the 2UE men's room. The scene: Jim’s diminutive frame hovering over the hand basin while inhaling steam. He peered out from the towel draped over his head and in that unmistakable voice explained to Greg how it helped clear ‘the pipes’ before going on air. Another memory concerned Jim's uncomfortable relationship with technology. Greg recapped the time Jim spilt pea and ham soup into a tape bulk eraser. Sometime later the electronic device – once a staple in all radio stations – was seen smoking in the corner of the newsroom. A tech rushed in, opened it up, only to find more soup causing problems. There was Jim closely sipping his soup like nothing happened. He apparently turned to the grumbling tech and said incredulously, "I thought I wiped it all up".

Stories like these – so many of which Jim tended to be the butt of the joke – were recalled later during a Wake at the Hilltop Memorial Hall. At the urging of a former colleague I took over the stage in an attempt to bring others with me. I spent a moment addressing younger members of the audience as to why Jim's name is often heard in the same reverent tones alongside 2SM. It was brief history lesson pointing out the 2SM Jim was part of is a very different beast than it is today. Not a moment too soon I was rescued by Jason Morrison of 2GB who eloquently explained the notion of Jim being: ‘the newsreader's newsreader’ and how contemporary reporters can be inspired by his consistently of style and the discipline of approaching a bulletin, e.g. pre-reading out loud.

Former 2SM newsmen Lloyd Jones and Terry Mabb shared their memories, likewise Graham Moir, Manager of Highland FM and a number of speakers young and old from the private side of Jim's life. Each regaled the gathering with tales of their dear friend, mentor and workmate. Lloyd shed light on the origins of the now-famous "Winchester Cathedral" performances. Apparently Jim's earliest foray into 'vocalising under the influence' date back to the early/mid '70s at the Observer Hotel in Sydney’s Rocks. One night Jim saw a paddy wagon pull up outside and was so spooked he thought they’d come for him!

Jim's son-in-law Sean, spoke of his admiration for Jimmy with a hilarious tale of nervously asking for his daughter's hand in marriage only to be told by Jim, "yeah, yeah, mate – that's all fine, great, but what about a drink?" Shaun later confided in liking Jim so much, that he and his mates have Jim Angel ring-tones on their mobile phones. Just imagine the Nokia springing to life with: "Good morning it's 10 o'clock – I'm Jim Angel".

In a delightfully innocent moment, reminiscent of "Kid's Say the Darndest Things" Shaun was joined by his four year old daughter Emma who said shyly that she'll miss her Grandfather because was "such a chatterbox". Oh that he was.

It seems the predominant memory of Jim will be – apart from his often imitated but never replicated voice – of a likeable, easy-to-be-around character with a deep commitment to his profession, family and his faith. Jim was a no-frills bloke who got on with the job and did it in a way that others noticed even if he didn't.

Humble? For sure, as this story goes: he was at home listening to John Laws' final 2UE broadcast in November ’07. Just before signing off to retirement, Lawsie played a 15 minute tribute package of his long career. Among the highlights was the day Laws asked Jim to sing "Winchester Cathedral" complete with vocal refrain. Naturally Jim obliged. However, upon hearing this recording in the context of a farewell to Laws, Jimmy just sat and wept and said to wife Annette something like, "Well fancy that, John including ME in his last few minutes on air!" A more humble man among the big egos of radio you wouldn't meet. Just ask any of his former 2SM colleagues. They'll tell you that quite often it was Jim who nipped down the local sandwich bar in North Sydney to pick up the lunch orders for the news team.

For all the fun memories of Jim Angel it was noted in the speeches by friends that if Jim saw wrong he'd do what he could to right it. The case is point concerns the venue of the Wake. The hall needs restoration and was once under treat of demolition. Jim used his public profile, being elected President of the Friends of Hilltop War Memorials Committee and worked tirelessly in their endeavours and in several other capacities in his beloved community in the Southern Highlands.

There are a significant proportion of people in our business who have enjoyed much success in their particular sphere. Yet for all of them, precious few can be considered part of radio folklore due to either a professional contribution or the ‘Shenanigans’ they were part of. I think it's fair to say that Jim will be long-remembered on both counts; and always with a smile.

Jim Angel was 67 and is survived by wife Annette and son David. Daughter Sheridan is from his marriage to Maureen (dec). Granddaughters are Emma and Claire. Messages of condolence can be addressed to: The Angel family 9 Samuel St Hilltop NSW 2575