Jim Nayder Obituary

Though many years have passed since Jim Nayder´s passing, I recently came across his obituary and felt compelled to share my belated condolences. Jim´s creativity and wit, mainly through his work on Magnificent Obsession and The Annoying Music Show with WBEZ/NPR, left a meaningful and impactful impression on so many. His ability to bring humor and originality to his work made him unforgettable.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was deeply loved as a father, husband, and grandfather. Even after all these years, his legacy resonates with those who appreciate his brilliant artistic contributions and curations.

May his memory continue to bring warmth and inspiration to all who knew and admired him.

Sincerely,
Thomas Berbas

I think of my brother every day and include him in my prayers. His passing left a sad hole in my heart that cannot be filled. Requiescat in pace, dear brother Jim.

Years after his untimely passing, Jim Nayder is still very much missed by all of us out in Radio-land. Hoping his family knows how much we still treasure him for all he did to bring us relief and hope. Thank you, too, for keeping this memorial permanently online and for keeping Magnificent Obsession available as a podcast. I'm listening to it now reaping the wisdom and reflecting on how much help these personal accounts still give to so many. The Annoying Music Show was also wonderful in another way, both uniquely Jim. May he Rest In Peace and May your sorrow be lightened.

I offer my condolences to the Nayder family. "Magnificent Obsession" has helped me cope with the effects of the disease of alcoholism on my family. I am grateful to Jim. It has meant a lot to me...

Jim and I worked for the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority in the early 1990's. A real good guy who I shall miss

I met Jim when he came to a volunteer orientation at Red Door Animal Shelter. His enthusiasm for and love of animals was wonderful to see. My sincere condolences.

I share in your sorrow and heartbreak. Growing up with my younger brother Jim was a joy. The five of us were quite a team. I will miss him very much. My prayers will be offered for the intention that the family finds solace in the days ahead.

Enjoyed your work and respected "Magnificent Obsession."

Went to Quigley South H.S. and graduated with Jim. He was the most friendly guy in our class. Everybody in our class was GREAT and miss them all. But something about Jim we all really LOVED. Deepest Sympathy to his BELOVED FAMILY. HE was the best!

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Jim's passing- my thoughts are with Laurie and Blair and the family. What a loss in so many ways.

I truly enjoyed Jim's humor- he will be missed--My deepest sympathy to his family

As sponsors of the Annoying Music Show and Magnificent Obsession, our deepest sympathies go out to the Nayder family. Jim was a good man taken down by a bad disease. Our lives were enriched by the work he did and the wisdom he shared.
The Levine/Rabin Group at RBC Wealth Management

How long have I been meaning to say thanks, Jim, for all your stories and songs? Blessings to your family and friends, and to those who felt the powerful, poignant "yes" while listening to you. Thank you for all you did for us.

I had the pleasure of meeting Jim when he came for volunteer orientation at Red Door shelter. He was a life long animal lover and told me many delightful stories about his childhood pets and the numerous animals he rescued from the streets of Chicago (including a rooster!). I was terribly sad to learn that we lost this kind, beautiful soul. Rest in peace Jim.

Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Jim was a gentle, kind man every time we chatted. I will never forgot Jim "walking" his cat everyday during the time when the Nayder's were so kind to let me stay with Blair over part of a summer. Or the audio Jim took of Blair as a little girl during a Halloween, as we all laughed listening together. You are all in our thoughts. With Love--Lindsay & Jesse Sillman, Hayden & Juliana.

Our thoughts are with Laurie and family during this difficult time.

I wake early every Sunday to listen to magnificent obsession. The stories help me live with my addiction. God bless Jim may he rest in peace. Martin Herrington

I sorrow for yours and our loss...classmate of Jim in High School and College. Will remember Jim as a man with a wonderful sense of humor who also had a very serious side to him. I am sure that those who know him best will miss him and my heart goes out to you. You will be remembered in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.

I was a fan of Jim's radio show and as a volunteer at WBEZ, I met him a few times at station events over the years. A great talent, spectacular intellect and a funny guy. I'm devastated to have stumbled across his obituary in Saturday's Chicago Tribune. I will miss him and his radio programs. His memory will be a blessing to us all. ,

Thankful for Mr Nayder's time on the radio and sharing his talents and thoughts. Sending prayers to his family and friends.

Please accept my deepest sympathy. I am sure your father will be missed by many but good memories always remain.
Sincerely, Julie Burke and Family

To all those of us who shared the giggles and smiles of the songs we heard on NPR with Jim, we send our Thanks.

My condolences to Laurie and her family. We enjoyed listening to Jim on WBEZ.

I was Jim's high school classmate. I always appreciated his wit and creative mind. I recall like it was yesterday when he nearly gave me heart attack. He showed up in school wearing a gorilla costume and jumped into a room where I was sitting. Once I realized I had not wet my pants, I couldn't stop laughing. It was hilarious. I'm so sorry for his family's loss.

Deepest sympathy to Jim's family. He was my mom's second cousin. Growing up, I remember him from family gatherings. His family was so talented, I'm not surprised at how talented Jim was. Rest in Peace Jim. God bless you and your entire family.

There's no way to know how many people faced their addictions because of Jim's remarkable program, The Magnificent Obsession, but it surely saved lives and families over many years. Jim made a brave, honest and vital contribution. He should be remembered for that and more.

Tony Judge

I went to Grade School at St. Adrian's in Chicago's south side and we were the class of 1968. Jim was always very nice to me. So sorry to hear of his passing and my prayers and thoughts to his family.

Made me laugh from the day I met him in high school until the last time I heard him on WBEZ. God rest his soul.

I only knew him through the radio. He made me laugh at the annoying music and better understand through Magnificent Obession. Thank you. I am sorry.

Remembering the good times.

I was a high school classmate of Jim's. I will remember him as a very creative person who loved life and the simple things. I was always delighted to hear his voice on NPR.

Jim had a huge impact on my son Drake's life and on mine as well. He will always be considered both a family friend and a family member to us. I am so very sorry for your loss.
With Love,
Drake and Cari

Words seem inadequate to express the sadness I feel about the death of my dear brother, Jim.
Wishing the family peace to bring comfort, and courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
With sincere sympathy and love,
Loretta

I will miss Jim's funny, always quirky "Annoying Music Show." He never failed to provide a laugh, no matter what else might have been going on in my life at the time. Rest in peace.

Heartbroken, but only after years of smiles and touching personal stories. Thank you so much Jim for my favourite shows, but also my sympathies to his loving family.