Beloved ABC star Jim Vargas has sadly died on the age of 78, his household has confirmed. The reporter labored for US community ABC7 for 20 years, however his profession in journalism spanned an unimaginable 40 years. He died on January 14, 2026, although his explanation for demise presently stays unknown. 

Vargas was finest identified for his reporting on politics and public affairs, a task he held at ABC7 till 1993. He even shared an Emmy award with Steve David and Bob Marshall for his protection of the Patty Hearst kidnapping in 1974. Vargas was additionally a part of a group that gained a Peabody Award for his or her protection of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.

Tributes have been flooding in from his former colleagues, with KGO-TV star David Louie writing: “Paul Jeschke described him nicely as the final word all-around reporter. 

“Whereas he made his mark at a number of stations, Jim in my thoughts will all the time be remembered for being a part of the group from the early to mid-70’s that propelled Information Scene from an also-ran right into a formidable, legendary information operation.”

Frank Kracher added: “I shared a type of crammed cubicles with Jim at 277 Golden Gate. He was form to this new child on the block.. serving to me settle in and really feel at dwelling. 

“His stable work ethic was one to be admired. I realized loads. And I am going to always remember the gathering of dangerous ties he stored at his desk.”

Whereas Carol Ivy and Ed Leslie mentioned: “Jim was one in every of our greatest mates … in actual fact, finest man at our wedding ceremony. We had been in contact with him till the top and can miss him significantly.”

San Francisco native Jim is survived by his sister Mali, his sister-in-law Bobbie and 11 nieces and nephews. 

His funeral will happen on February 6 at St. Brendan’s Church.