To those of those who didn't know him, Jim Stern may have seemed a bit staid; perhaps serious, but those who were lucky enough to spend even a short time with him saw his warmth, kindness, tolerance, humor and intellect. These were traits that defined him throughout his adult life, in his various roles as husband, father, grandfather, businessman and friend. Born in NYC on October 26th, 1920 to Edna Jacob and H. James Stern, he was raised in New Rochelle. Jim's interest in mechanical tinkering, math and science steered him to MIT for a degree in metallurgical engineering. Immediately upon graduation in 1942 he became a 2nd...
To those of those who didn't know him, Jim Stern may have seemed a bit staid; perhaps
serious, but those who were lucky enough to spend even a short time with him saw his
warmth, kindness, tolerance, humor and intellect. These were traits that defined him
throughout his adult life, in his various roles as husband, father, grandfather, businessman
and friend.
Born in NYC on October 26th, 1920 to Edna Jacob and H. James Stern, he was raised in New
Rochelle. Jim's interest in mechanical tinkering, math and science steered him to MIT for a
degree in metallurgical engineering. Immediately upon graduation in 1942 he became a 2nd
lieutenant in the army. Well into his later years, he could describe the inner workings of
various of the ordinance he was charged with repairing during WWII.
His first career as engineer/plant manager at I. Stern and Company was followed by one as
president of National Photocolor Corp, a laser optic firm. Active at Temple Israel of New
Rochelle, Jim was described as a cooperative board member, striving to bring people
together to improve his community. In his 80's he served as president of the Old Guard of
White Plains.
As mild mannered as he could be, when he set his mind on something he could go after it
with unexpected persistence when, as a soldier in Grenoble he dated a French girl named
Francine. He returned to France shortly after the war, found her and after only a couple of
weeks, proposed. Their 46 year marriage ended when Francine passed away in 1992. Their
children Alan Stern,wife Virginia, Stephanie Stern and husband John Moore as well as
grandchildren Rebecca, Brian, Sebastian, Michelle, Bartholomew, and Alexander will miss
his sound advice and gentle ways.
He survived his second wife, Mimi Haas. His later years were enriched by his
companionship with Bernice Tanz.