Funeral Details

Newman, James (Jim)

Dr. James Newman, age 77 died November 1, 2019 from complications following a long battle with heart disease. Ironically, it was "heart" that truly defined him and how he chose to live. Family was paramount to Jim, and it was a concept that stretched far beyond the confines of who was related to him. He was happiest surrounded by loved ones and friends, laughing, sharing simple pleasures ("You've got to try this chocolate--It’s amazing."), and engaging in conversations about what mattered most. His deep devotion to family was matched closely by his commitment to justice. Guided by the values of Judaism rather than the rules, he adhered to the principle of tikkum olam-repair of the world. Jim was a passionate activist for human rights who openly shared his belief that peace is the absence of injustice. An avid reader, he never stopped learning, seeking truth, and sharing what he’d discovered. Raised in West Rogers Park, Jim was the son of Ernice and Edward Newman. He attended Boone Elementary School, Senn High School, and Northwestern University. He completed his medical training at the University of Illinois-Chicago, specializing in psychiatry, later working with visionary community partners to create satellite health clinics. During the Vietnam War, his served in the Indian Health Service on the Flathead Indian Reservation, enjoying western Montana for its natural beauty. He then practiced psychiatry in Fitchburg, MA before returning to Chicago where he worked at Rush, UIC, and Illinois State Psychiatric Institute, practicing medicine and training medical students. He spent the majority of his career at Cook County Hospital, dedicating himself to public health and a commitment to providing excellent medical care for all and equity in the workplace. Jim married Diane Bloom in 1970 and their son Daniel was born in 1977. Several years after Diane’s death, Jim married his lifelong friend Joan Silins, the widow of his best friend. The family expresses deep gratitude to all the physicians who cared for him, especially Dr. Anna Purinson and his dear friend Dr. Ira Weiss. Jim is survived by his wife Joan Silins, son Daniel Newman, daughter Sarah Silins, son Eli Silins (Molly Nadav), and his grandchildren Mickey and Noa Silins, as well as many close relatives and friends. Funeral services for Jim will be held at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, on Monday, November 4, at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jim can be made to Voices for Creative Non-violence, Tzedek Synagogue, or This Is Hell Radio (WNUR). Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com