James Berman Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 25, 2013.

James K. Berman of Greenwich, Ct. passed away on September 22nd at the age of 89, losing a valiant two week bout with pneumonia. He was a man of many passions, not the least of which was skiing, which he did until he was 80. His greatest passion was always his wife, Peggy (Tenenbaum), to whom he was married for 62 years.

He was born in New York City on May 10, 1924 to Louis and Marie Berman. He graduated from Fieldston School and earned an engineering degree from MIT in 1949. His college tenure was interrupted by World War II, when he served in the US Army Air Corps as part of the Europe weather forecasting team stationed in Greenland. He married Peggy in 1951, and they had two sons: Chris, born on his father's birthday in 1955, and Andy, born in 1957.

Jim worked for four decades for Raisler Corporation, a mechanical contracting firm prominent in commercial real estate building in metropolitan New York for close to a century. He retired as Executive Vice President. He lent his expertise freely……to the Town of Rye, NY, where the family lived for a quarter century, to Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, to Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester, or later as a volunteer for IESC by advising burgeoning ventures.

He loved the outdoors, most notably in Sun Valley, Idaho, where he maintained a residence in Andy's home town for the past 25 years. An avid skier, hiker, and bicyclist, Jim enjoyed both winters and summers in the Sawtooth Mountains. Earlier he and the family enjoyed similar activities around Weston, Vermont.

He was an avid pilot, which he took up on a whim at age 40 and continued into his 70's. He played tennis and golf, and in his younger days was part of a sailing crew that raced regularly on the Long Island Sound.

Jim especially enjoyed having season tickets for the NY Jets at Shea Stadium, where he and his young sons were ardent supporters of the football team and the AFL. Undoubtedly those days spurred Chris on to a long career at ESPN.

Jim is survived by his wife Peggy, his sister Virginia Slaughter, his two sons Chris and Andy, and their wives, both named Katherine Berman. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Meredith, Doug, Sara, and Riley.

A remembrance will be held Friday September 27th at 11AM at Congregation Emanuel of Westchester in Rye, NY. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Greenwich Hospital, MIT, or the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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October 2, 2013

Marty and Lindsay Mornhinweg

What a great life James lived... Our condolences

October 2, 2013

Peter Tortora

Dear Mrs. Berman:

My most sincere condolences to you and the family. Jim was a favorite patient of mine and a joy to chat with about anything. He was a true gentleman.

Peter Tortora

September 30, 2013

Dear Peggy & Family,
When we picked up our copy of the Idaho Mountain Express at the Sun Valley post office and saw the obituary of Jim we felt sorrow.
We know how much Jim loved Sun Valley and it brought to mind the times we enjoyed spending with the two of you.
Our deepest condolences.
Stan & Harriet Joseph

September 27, 2013

Our condolences and thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. I know Jim will be missed greatly, but I also know that you will have wonderful memories of him. May they bring smiles to your faces always.
Cathy & Scott Ackerson

September 27, 2013

Peter Korzenik

Dear Berman family,

I worked with Jim at International Executive Service Corps (IESC) for many years and was saddened to hear this news. I'll remember Jim for his commanding physical presence and his tough guy exterior, but also for the ever present twinkle in his eye and his willingness to pitch in and help out. A funny guy and a great storyteller. And, of course, that voice!

My sincere condolences to your family.

Peter Korzenik

September 27, 2013

Rick Braisted

I had the privilege of working with Jim when he volunteered at IESC in the 90's. He had great stories of taking his boys to Jet games at Shea stadium. Whenever I turn on ESPN, I think "Hey, there's Jim Berman's son".

September 26, 2013

Our Condolences go out to the entire Berman Family. You will forever have a Guardian Angel watching over you...God Bless...Dusty Baker and family

September 26, 2013

Marty Sharrow

I do not know Jim or Chris, but I do watch Chris on TV and he's one to the best sportscasters hands down! I read Jim's obituary and fascinated by everything he did. One thing for sure, he was an accomplished man and did an excellent job raising Chris. Please accept my condolences for your loss.
"Shelo ted'u od tza'ar,"

September 25, 2013

Meredith Berman

They don't make them quite like him anymore. Love you very much Pa

September 25, 2013

Richard Roth

I have great remembrances of Jim as my camp counselor one wonderful summer in Maine. Jim thought mew how to pluck a chicken, play bridge and how to get from age 13 to 14.
Many years later when I became an architect, and joined my family firm Emery Roth & Sons I met Jim as an equal professional. He thought a young architect what mechanical engineering was. I remember our lunches with fondness.
Although it has been many years since we met I will always remember his friendship.
My condolences to his family.
Richard Roth jr.

September 25, 2013

Dear Peggy and Family,
From Santa Fe, I send my condolences to you. I sit high on a mountain house and after reading Jim's obit, I picture his robust frame skiing down a snow-covered slope, quite different from how I knew him at the temple, thoughtful and caring and in a suit! I hope you are comforted by memories. Fondly,
Margie McCabe (Rabbi Wolk's secretary)

September 25, 2013

Mr Berman was a special guy, I will always remember fondly his annual Sunday visits, watching football and enjoying each other's company. He was a sportsman, a gentleman, and a friend. My best to his family.

Bill Fairweather

September 25, 2013

Sincere condolences to the family for your loss and may God comfort you during this difficult time.
Psalm 147:3.

September 24, 2013

Barbara Hertz

Jim was a wonderful neighbor...always there to help. He was a joy to be around. His kind spirit and sharp intellect will be missed.

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Funeral services provided by:

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