Adored ABC presenter Jim Vargas dies aged 78

Jim Vargas, a longtime ABC7 presenter, died on January 14 at age 78, his family announced; his cause of death has not been disclosed.

Jim Vargas, a familiar ABC7 presenter, has died, his family announced. He was 78 and passed away on January 14. Vargas built a four-decade career in journalism and spent about two decades with ABC7. He retired in 2011 and was later recognized by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Key details: - Family announced that Jim Vargas died on January 14 at the age of 78. - Vargas worked in journalism for roughly four decades, including about two decades at ABC7. - He won an Emmy in 1974 and was part of a team that received a Peabody Award for coverage of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. - Tributes from former colleagues were reported, and the cause of death has not been disclosed. Summary: Vargas's death has prompted colleagues to share memories of his professionalism and dry wit. The announcement marks the passing of a long-serving local journalist; further details about the cause of death have not been released. Undetermined at this time.