James Nachman Obituary

Because of you, Dr Nachman, our son continues to thrive in life and even gave us two beautiful grandsons. You are so missed and forever celebrated in our hearts.

My son is a miracle because of Dr. Nachman. He is 34 years old and works at McCormick Place with local 399. Dr. Nach has saved many lives I am sure but his outstanding outlook on life and his gentle approach on everything makes him my hero. God Bless Dr. Nach.

Today my son is a happy, healthy, 24-year-old engineer with a great job, a beautiful girlfriend, and a wonderfully full life as a cancer survivor thanks to Doc Nach and his stellar team. I will always remember him with admiration and gratitude. He leaves a tremendous legacy of saved livesand thankful parents.

I was a high school classmates of Jims. What I remember is that he was a bright guy, happy go lucky, and friendly with everyone. I remember he tried out for our high schools baseball team as a left handed pitcher, and he had a great curveball! One other thing that we shared in common was our love for the White Sox. I still remember a smiling Jim.

So today, almost 1yr later I found out that the angel that saved my life over 26yrs ago has become an angel himself. This is the saddest day of my life. I met Doc Nach in 1984, at UofC Wyler's Clinic when he treated me for Hodgkins Disease after being misdiagnosed by another doctor. I was a 15yr old kid scared to death of dying and not knowing a single thing about fighting for my life. Doc Nach almost made it a game. He could tell the days when I was scared or upset and by the time I left his office or after my treatment I forgot I was there to fight. I ALWAYS left with a smile on my face, contagious from his! I was in search of a dr for my 6yr old this afternoon & I was going to ask Doc Nach for a referral & to thank him for saving my life. I am devistated to learn of his accident. God takes the best so I know he has Doc Nach. I only wish he would've waited a while so us here on earth could have enjoyed him a bit longer. I know you're up there looking down but for me it will never be the same again. Thank you for saving my life Doc Nach. 1 day I will see you again, just not today my good old friend.

I am so sorry that this message is so delayed, I just learned about Doc Nach's passing this past week. I was a patient of his in 2005, and he was the best person I could have ever met during what I have come to think of as the "cancer year". As many people have described, he was more than just a doctor. He was my friend and my biggest fan, making it possible for me to make finishing high school my priority while getting my chemo took the back seat. He saved my life. He inspired me in ways that lasted far past the time of my treatment. I decided in the middle of my treatment that he was one of the best people I had ever known, and I have been striving to be like him since that moment. Next year, I will graduate from medical school on my path to becoming a pediatric oncologist. My heart breaks with the knowledge that I will never have any formal hospital training from Doc Nach (which was our plan from the beginning), but I am thankful for the life lessons he taught me everyday I was in his care. I have always been driven to make him proud, and I will continue to do so as he watches down on me. He will be remembered fondly by every single person he ever met, he was truly one of a kind, and I know that I will miss him from this moment on.

Only yesterday at the Comer's Kids' Classic did we learn of Dr. Nach's passing. I can't put into words what an amazingly great person he was and how thankful we are to have had him as our son's doctor. He once said he hopes to make a difference, Rest in Peace Doc Nach, you made an everlasting difference in so many ways!

Dr.Nach was such a great man.He treated our 12 year old son for Hodgkins in 2007.During treatment Tony was told by Dr. Nach of course you can still play Travel Baseball and football.Tony only missed 2 games all thru his treatment, Once Tony was on the field pitching and Kelly called my cell and said get Tony off the field his platelets are to low. Then Dr. Nach called and said bring him in we will fill him up, so he won't miss his game tomorrow. When we got to the hospital,they were telling Tony he would be admitted cause his counts were so low, Then Dr. Nach walked in and said fill him up and get him out of here,Star has a game to pitch tomorrow. Thank you Dr. Nach for making Tony one of your many Stars.

A close friend in the Chicago area suggested we call Dr. Nachman after our son, Barret, was told by another facility in the southern U.S. that there was nothing else they could do. When we reached him by phone the very first thing Dr. Nachman asked was to speak to Barret. At the end of the conversation he gave us his cell number and told us to feel free to call him any time we needed. In our lifetimes we had never experienced such a thing. Quickly we learned it was indicative of the personal attention this very unique and gifted doctor has shared with all his patients. To those who knew Dr. Nachman or were fortunate enough to be treated by him, we realize what a tremendous loss the world has sustained. His absence leaves a huge void in the field of medicine where so many children will not have the benefit of his wisdom and his friendship. Our thoughts are with his family who may take comfort in the fact that there are people in so many countries helped by Dr. Nachman's skills and buoyed up by his zest for life.

Dr Nachman was one of a kind. We will never be able to wrap our minds around the sudden loss. Doc Nach you will be missed by everyone you came in contact with. Sarah and Kyle

I have only just heard this very sad news. I am a paediatric oncologist from the UK and have been a friend and colleague of Jim's for well over 25 years. At one point we shared a hotel room in Prague because of a lack of available rooms. I learnt more about Chicago and basketball in those few days than I ever hoped for or needed!. I think he learnt quite a bit about rugby and english beer.
We shared many passions and interests including developing new treatments and treating teenagers. He was truly a one off who made a really major international contribution to paediatric and adolescent cancer and to the lives of many. I can't quite believe that I will not see him again. I wish to pass on my deepest condolences to his family.

I am so hurt by this news. He treated me since I was a baby for my cancer, and he continues to be the best Doctor I ever had. Every time I would come into his office, he would act like he was so excited to see me. He always made me feel special, and I was always so excited to see him. He made going to the doctor so much fun, that I didn't even care about all of the test I had to take. The world has truly lost an angel I pray that God delivers a quick and powerful wave of healing and love to the family. God Bless You All.

You have left us way too soon. The care that you gave all of your "children" made them all feel very special. Your smile and winning personality always lit up the room when you walked in. Our son, Tony, is with us today because of your brilliance as a physician. We will miss you and always keep you in our hearts. The Delcorse Family

Thank You "Doc Nauch" for giving your "life" to so many. in 1980-1981 our son Kourt was one of Doc Nauchs first patients. Dr. Wilson was leaving UC Wylers childrens hospital . My husband and I were so upset,who could replace Dr. Wilson ? Well,God knew we needed a special Doctor to replace Wilson and who did he send us ? "Doc Nauch' another Dedicated, Wondeful,Caring,Kind, Fun Doctor. Dr. Nauchman got our son Kourt through the toughest times of Chemo. WE ALWAYS FELT SAFE didn't have to worry "DocNauch" was there if we needed him.We are so sad to lose you "Doc Nauch". What will we do without you.

We just learned today of Dr. Nach's passing and were devastated by the news. Dr. Nach saved my son's life and we will forever be grateful for his life and dedication to children and helping them live again. He was incredibly kind and always put a smile on my son's face.

To the Nachman family,

It's now been three weeks since Nach's passing, and I continue to want to hold on to the "It can't possibly be true. There must be a mistake." line of thinking. This man cared for our daughter beginning in March of 2009, and although her cancer was incurable at that point, this unique individual guided Erin to a life of teenaged normalcy through the fine balancing act of integrating necessary treatments with a get-out-there-and-live-each-day attitude that he himself practiced. She passed away in December of 2009. I am so grateful that she was under Nach's care. Her life, and mine, was enriched because of it. (please read further thoughts at inspiredbyerin.blogspot.com/2011/06/james-nachman-md.html)

May this exceptional, gentle man rest in peace. My deep condolences to you all.

Nach was an unforgettably special person. He was kind, compassionate, brilliant and immensely generous. He had a very special way with young people; he loved conversing, interacting, challenging and listening to them. He lived a life that mattered to so many people and leaves a deep void behind. I will miss you my dear friend.

You have left us way too soon. The care that you gave all of your "children" made them all feel very special. Your smile and your personality always lit up the room when you walked in. Our son Tony is with us today because of your brilliance as a physician. We will miss you and always keep you in our hears.

I worked with Dr. Nachman when I worked at the U of C. He was a mensch.

Dr. Nachman represented everything that is good in people and in life. I met Dr. Nach in the mid 80's through basketball. Be it through basketball, being a Dr, or at camp Ojibwa, Jim touched the lives of so many. He possessed class, dignity, compassion, and lead by example at the highest level every day of his life. He was a rare breed, in that he really, truely cared deeply about people, weather you were a childhood friend from camp, a patient, or a stranger who fell upon hard times, Jim would always try to make a difference. The world we live in was a better place, because of Jim Nachman. My thoughts and prayers are with the Nachman family. May his memory be a blessing for all of you.

Dr. Nachman played such an influential part in treating my little brother when he was sick. I have him to thank for the past five (and counting) healthy years my brother has had! Your gift with children will be missed.

I am so sorry to learn of your loss and I send you my condolences at this very sad time.
Vicki Schwartz-Mided

To the Nachman family and Doc Nach's U of C family,
You have lost one of the best of the best and God has gained a very special angel in heaven. I worked in the Wyler Clinic years ago and was privileged to see Doc Nach as a truly fun, caring and remarkable physician and human being. His interactions with patients and their families were gifts to this world. I know he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. My heart goes out to you at his much to early passing.

I am stunned to learn that Dr. Nachman passed away. I worked with Nach on the peds oncology unit at the University of Chicago many years ago. He was one of those people who touched my life and made a great impact. First of all, he was one of the most brilliant people I have ever met. The job of a pediatric oncologist is incredibly stressful, but I never saw him without a smile on his face and a kind word (and often a bad joke) for all around him. He was respectful to everyone with whom he worked. His work was his life, and he would have done anything for the children and families that he cared for. Reading all the tributes written about him, I realize just how many lives he touched through his work. He was truly one of a kind, and will be missed. RIP Nach.

Always in our Hearts!

Recanting just two weeks ago over breakfast with Ojibwa chief Barry Feldman, we smiled and laughed about the brothers Nachman and camp days of the late 60s and 70s. Barry suggested how it would be great to reach out to contact Doc Nach. This only shows how precious our time is on this earth.

My deepest sympathies to the entire family. I will forever remember his treatment of my camp colds and bruises.

In 1978 our daughter was diagnosed with Hodgkins Disease. Dr. Nachman was the resident/fellow at Children's Memorial Hospital who treated her. 25 years later she deveoped breast cancer. How ironic that Dr. Nachman worked on "understanding which patients with Hodgkins were at greatest risk for therapy-related second cancers years later" for that's just what happened to Lori; and how even more ironic that our dear daughter died just a few weeks before your dear son and brother. We had mentioned his name during the years and she did remember him fondly, as did we.
With deepest sympathy,

My condolences on Nach's passing. As a long-time Ojibwa man, he meant a great deal to all of us. It's hard to find someone who meant so much to so many.

Jim and I attended Highland Park High School together, and even though we did not have classes together, I do have a fond memory of him. We were both trying out for our high school baseball team as pitchers, and I remember Jim, who was a lefty, throwing a mean curveball. He didn't make the team, but he didn't show his disappointment...he just kept on smiling!! Thanks for a great life, Lefty.

We were so sad to hear about Dr. Nach.
He encouraged our sons and helped them through some difficult courses. He was always there for their basketball championships. He was a great person and friend. He will be missed.

My condolences to the entire Nachman family on your loss. I will never forget his weekly chanting of Kiddush at Camp on Friday night. To this day still, every time I chant Kiddush, the sound and image of Jim standing at the end of the mess hall in front of the entire camp is etched in my mind. Nach was an institution at camp and he will be missed by all.
- David "Clancy" Seffren

To Nach's father, sister, and brother.
There are no word I can find to describe how I feel about Nach. I was devastated when I received word that he had passed. I first met Nach when he came to the University of Chicago as a chief resident and then worked with him over the next 35 years in Pediatric Hematology. He was a character. He was either telling us one of his mother's jokes or making us laugh at some other story. He was always in a good mood, always smiling and had that infectious laugh. His patients love him, his campers love him and we his colleagues love him. It is a tragedy to loose such an explosive person so prematurely at such a young age.
He will be missed by myself and all of us at the Univerity of Chicago that have had the pleasure of working with him.
Amanda

June 17, 2011

We first met Dr. Nachman when I took my son Brendan for diagnoses in 2006. Brendan HAD an advanced stage of Osteosarcoma. Jim’s care along with the rest of the staff at the University of Chicago is the reason Brendan will be graduating from Illinois State University in December 2011. Not only did Dr. Nachman cure him, he along with Dr. Peabody preserved his ability to walk and function normally. Through all this Dr. Nachman treated Brendan and the entire family with dignity, laughter, love, and hope. I recall one time Brendan received a call from France. It was Dr. Nachman checking up on Brendan’s reactions to some of the Chemo. Brendan received a partial prosthesis on his Birthday. A year later Jim had Brendan over to his home for a rib dinner (Brendan’s favorite), watching Notre Dame football, swimming in the pool, and receiving a complete set of Major League baseball cards from Brendan’s birth year. The impact Jim has made in all of our lives both professionally and as a caring human being cannot be measured. Rest in Peace Jim. Patrick McShane

I am a pediatric oncologist in Israel and had the privilege to meet Jim Nachman last year in Israel, he was invited to participate to our national meeting . Jim supported strongly our activities and was a great friend of Israel.We will miss him and never forget him.Our thoughs and prayers are with all the pediatric oncology community his family and his patients.

Words cannot express how deeply devastated our family feels with the loss of Dr. Nachman. He was instrumental in the care of our daughter's bleeding disorder, and although we only knew him for a short time, his warmth and contagious smile will remain in our hearts forever. I will never forget how he helped calm our nerves on every phone call, email and in person visits to the clinic. He provided hope and some level of reassurance when we did not know what to expect. Dr. Nachman will be missed by all of his "kids" near and far, and we are grateful for the impact he made through countless hours of research and dedication to his specialty.

I’d like to express my deepest condolences to the family of Dr. James Nachman. I was Nach’s secretary for about three years and during that time I got to know him as not only the “world renowned physician”, but as a friend and confidant. Each and every day was an adventure when he was in the office! I enjoyed working for him! He had a passion for life, his craft, his patients and sports. He was humble, kind, thoughtful and funny. There would be times when I would be down for whatever reason and he would do or say something that would lift my spirit the entire day. He was Loved and his work and memory will live on forever! Rest assured Heaven just received an Angel!

I had the pleasure of working with DR. J.Nachman when he arrived at the U of C as a fellow in Peds Heme. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, he will surely be missed by all who knew him.
Terry

Dear Nachman Family, Our son Jacob was a patient of Doc Nach's. We could never thank him enough for everything he did for us. Jacob expressed it best when he said," I am deeply sadened by the news of his death but also sad for all the children who will miss having his care and help to beat cancer." Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!

Dear Nachman Family,

Our son Pete was a patient of Doc's 22 years ago. Doc was the best of the best as an oncologist, constantly pumping up his patients and their families with humor, hope, and hugs, the three H's of Doc's philosophy. Our son is now 38, a teacher, and the father of soon-to-be-four children.
You will never know the lives he touched as a pediatric oncologist. He came to see Pete play varsity basketall the year after treatment, imagine he did that more often than we can imagine.

Blessings on your family and the memory of Jim.

Dick and Ellie Goers
Hinsdale, IL

Dear Nachman family:

The news of Doc's death hit me, one of his Tau Delt fraternity brothers, particularly hard. Doc was the smartest, most giving and most centered person I have ever known. With all of the wonderful things he did in his life, his memory will live on forever. I'm sure every Tau Delt feels the same way.

Paul (Chopper) Goodman

Cathy,
My condolences to you and your father. Whenever I saw Jim, he always seemed to be smiling. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Dear Cathy-Lynn and I extend our condolences to you and your family. As a patient of your father, a classmate of Jim's and friend of yours I feel that something in my life is gone, am truly saddened by Jim's passing. Lynn and Bill Borenstein

Bob, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Dear Nachman Family,
I first met Doc Nach at camp in 1974. Over the years Doc also was able to get to know my own kids and ultimately my oldest who,was with him on his last trip to the Grand Canyon. My sincere condolences to you. Doc was a great guy and we will all miss him.

Bobby Kay

Dear Bob

Jina and I are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are you with you and the entire Nachman family.

Doc Nach wasn't just my son's oncologist, he was a force of nature. He made every family feel like their child was his favorite patient, and you knew he would do absolutely everything on behalf of your child. My son had a challenging case, full of surprises and complications, and we do feel as if he is alive today thanks to Doc Nach and the full team at Comer. He was bold, brash, and flat-out-frank "we're going to poison your body and it won't like it so stuff will go wrong, but we'll fix it" but his genuine love for kids and unfailing positivity made us believe healing was always possible. He was a hero to us, and I'm sure to hundreds of kids alive today.

Dr. Nachman saw our family through the diagnosis of our son's osteosarcoma, his treatment and his passing. What a fine human being. He stayed late to play sports trivia with Alex's friends, delivered bad news and prime Bulls tickets in one sitting,offered math tutoring, slipped Mom $40 when the purse was left at home in a 3am crisis run to the city, called in from Hawaii (which he said was the most beautiful place on earth)....not enough room to provide all the examples of what a fine man he was. We are sorry for your families loss and sorry for the many children who will not get his care personally. Rest in Peace Nach-Nach. We love you.

My most heartfelt condolences to the Nachman Family and to Jim's extended family of all the kids and families that he helped. Heaven has a brand new angel today and I am comforted by the mental picture I have of Jim being welcomed at Heaven's Gate by a host of children, all clamoring for a chance to play with him or sit in his lap. We are very sad today; Jim is happy. Rest in peace, you lovely, blessed man.

Margo Elson
HPHS Classmate

My sons (Jonathan & Ari) and I are deeply saddened by the death of Jim who was not only an outstanding and remarkable physician but a wonderful friend and mentor to so many of us. Adolph was physician to both myself and my sons. Jim was my classmate at HPHS. When as a single mom Jim stepped in to mentor and support my sons I was deeply touched. My sons both followed careers in pediatric medicine due in part I believe to the respect and admiration they felt for Jim and Adolph. Jim's death is a loss to all of us who knew him as a friend, mentor, and physician. My deepest sympathy to Bob, Cathy, and Adolph.

Deberah Singer Bernstein

June 15, 2011

My 6 month old son Austin was diagnosed with "All" back in Nov. 2000 complicated by necrotizing fasciitis. At the time Austin was against all odds. His chemo had been postponed due to all the complications. They ended up putting "Doc Nach" on this difficult case. He mixed his magic potions and today my son is 11, considered cured and has more energy than many. How can you thank a man that saved your child's life in words. He was an incredible, dedicated, and brilliant physician. You will be greatly missed by many. My condolences to your family, hemonk kids, and your friends. You will never be forgot and Austin will always remeber your Mickey Mouse watch...God has an incredible place for you..Thank You "Doc Nach" we love you.
The Martakis Family

Adolph and Cathy: I am so sorry to hear of your son's/brother's passing. I often think of you both and you're both in my thoughts and prayers now more than ever. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Penny Gundry

Nach was a truly remarkable man. Whether at Ojibwa, through his medical practice, BBYO, or his other ways of reaching out to people; Nach directly touched and positively added to thousands of peoples lives. Adloph, Bob and Cathy, our condolences go out to you. Fondly, Michele and Mark Nachbar

Our son Steven came to see Dr.Nachman back in 2002 diagnosed with osteosarcoma. We were all very scared and we remember Jim coming in to tell Steven how sick he was going to get from the chemo, how he would lose his hair, and all the terrible surgeries he would probably have. After he left, Steve said, "I don't think I like that guy". But we must tell you, over the next 11 years, he got to REALLY like him, We could call him at any time, even at home. We respected him and knew he ALWAYS had Steves best interests at heart. He became a good friend. We truly believe Steve is still with us because of his expertise and knowledge in the treatment of osteoarcomas. His last visit to Jim went great and Jim told us after Steves next scan, if it was good, he was to move on to a different doctor, one that treats patients in remission from cancer. It was a bittersweet moment. Thank you Dr. Nachman from the bottom of our hearts. We will always remember you. Keith, Marilyn, and Steven Bermes

Dr. Adolph, Robert and Cathy -

Dr. Adolph, you were my pediatrician (together with my siblings) many years ago. I have many fond memories of your thoughtfulness and kindness.

I was saddened to learn today about your loss.

You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Doc Nach was just the person our family needed when our daughter had lymphoma, many years ago. We have such fond memories of the way he treated her. He was there for us at any time of the day or night. One time we called him, he was at a baseball game and still took the time to help us out. He was truly a giving, caring doctor. Our prayers are with you. Mark & Joanna Burns, Mishawaka, Indiana

Deepest symapathies on your loss, indeed all of ours.
The Kadens

To the Nachman Family,

I knew Dr. Nachman for nine years at the University of Chicago Children's(Comer's Hospital). I was the Chicago Public School Teacher and a large amount of my students were Dr. Nachman's patients. He was always so wonderful with the children, parents, staff and everyone else who he crossed the path of. I one time told him he was a silent hero and he completely dismissed that. He told me that each day was a gift and he was always eager to see the children stay in school even when they were hospitalized with many times life threatening illnesses. He never gave up being the ultimate optimist.

I am so very sorry for your tremendous loss. Not only did you lose a son, brother or friend, the community of the world lost a silent hero.

Jeanne Edmondson
Frankfort, Illinois

It's been many years since we met Doc Nach when our son was a camper at Ojibwa. His continued friendship and assistance to our family was deeply appreciated. We will all miss him. The Baum family, Lake Forest and Deerfield, IL.

Dr. Adolph, Bob and Cathy,

We are saddened by the news of Jim's premature and untimely death. Please accept our condolences on your loss. The Nachman family always has played an important role in our lives. Dr. Adolph was my pediatrician. Bob is a friend and was a teammate on the HPHS track team. Cathy was an advisor to my son, Harrison, when he attended HPHS. We remember Jim with great fondness. He was a tremendous friend to Harrison at Camp Ojibwa. Jim also was a huge White Sox fan whom we frequently enjoyed seeing at the Park. His contributions to the many young people he treated and befriended never will be forgotten. We will miss him.

I am completely bereft so I can only imagine the sorrow Jim's family feels. I worked with Jim for 10 years. He was the real deal and truly devoted to everything and everyone he touched. I will always miss him. My sincere condolences to the Nachman family. He truly was life-inspiring.
-marianne noone

Our deepest sympathy is extended to the entire Nachman family.
It was truly an honor to have met Doc Nach and our entire family will miss him immensely.
The Oriot Family

June 15, 2011
We first met Dr. Jim Nachman on May 22, 1986 upon our arrival at
Wyler's Children's Hospital when
our son, Michael was diagnosed
with ALL.
"Doc Nach" was so incredibly gifted as a physican and such a remarkable human being in his care of young patients. He could keep a smile on everyone's face through the most difficult procedures and uncertain times.
He was truly the "Star" to our family.
We stayed in touch with him over the
years and would see him at White Sox
games. We truly loved "Doc Nach" and will be forever grateful for his presence in our lives. There were no
smiles at our house yesterday when we
learned the news of his passing. But
we're sure he could have dried our tears with a few of his jokes.
Our deepest sympathy to the Nachman family and to the Hematology/Oncology Section at U.of C. staff members. We will hold Jim Nachman in our hearts forever.
Denice and Mike Heeney
Chicago, IL

We are thinking of you in this difficulty time and send you our love and comfort.

My condolences to the entire Nachman family. My thoughts are with you.

Words cannot begin to describe what Doc Nach meant to our family, and especially our son, Greg. Not only was he our doctor, but he remained Greg's friend for the next 20 some years past his cure...and mine as well. I know he embraced thousands of families like ours and it was amazing at every level. A greater doctor and more loving, special man one could not imagine...he was a life force that will forever be remembered and forever be missed by people the world over. His contributions to this world in terms of knowledge and love could fill a hospital - and indeed, they did,. May his spirit continue in us all. God bless you, Jim. You loved calling your patients "Stars"...now it is you who is "the Star" looking down on us all - with your ever-present smile I am sure. With gratitude and love for a life incredibly well lived for so many, Julie Morse (Mikrut)

Dr. Nachman was an outstanding physician. I remember his care of a young patient of mine many years ago. His father Adolph was our pediatrician for many years. Also outstanding. Blessings and peace to his family.