ForeverMissed
Jim on bridge Asia

This site is to help us all remember the son, uncle, brother, cousin and friend Jim was to so many people from Chicago to Portland, from South America to India and across the world.  Please explore the tabs above, either comment in the 'Tribute' or share on the 'Stories' tab.

Our dear family member and friend, Jim Feldmann (George James Feldmann), passed away unexpectedly.  Just 46 years old.  He was returning home to see us all from a year long trip to India and Portugal and was struck by a vehicle in NY.  We are devastated.

Please let others know that knew Jim about this site.  Thank you everyone for the support, love and prayers we have been receiving.  

Visitation Monday  - September 4, 2017 
3:00 to 8:00 pm (family at 2:00 pm)Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home
10501 W. Cermak Rd. (2 blks West of Mannheim Rd.).
Westchester, IL  60154

Funeral Service Tuesday - September 5, 2017 All to meet  at Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church 2501 S. Wolf Rd., Westchester at 9:30 am until time of Funeral Service 10:00 am
Interment Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery.
The family invites all those attending to join after the ceremony at the Greek Islands Restaurant in Lombard, IL

When considering Jim's life experiences we decided instead of selecting a single group or organization we are setting up a Memorial Fund in his honor.  In lieu of flowers any are welcome (but none expected) to donate to the fund.  The Jim Feldmann Memorial Fund has been established to inspire people to care and connect with communities and cultures around the world.  The funds may be used to help non-profit organizations, communities in need and we hope to create a scholarship for a student to study abroad while helping a community in need.
https://www.gofundme.com/jim-feldmann-memorial-fund

Tributes

Leave a Tribute
Katherine Steffenson
April 17
April 17
It’s Mom, Jim. I know you are near, I especially felt your presence the last 3-4 days.. each morning as I reach the bottom step from my bedroom, I could smell the aroma from your house; probably the incense you used..Did not sense it today on your birthday. That’s ok; I know you are watching over me and all our family and I’m sure you are checking in many others, because that’s the kind of guy you were.
You are so missed. Be at peace my son.
Happy 52th birthday❤️
George Brown
April 17
April 17
Well, it happened again, Jim.

I was thinking about you yesterday - totally out of the blue - and then I find that today is your birthday. Amazing and too much of a coincidence to be a coincidence.

I'm remembering that we shared the name George, and I'm certain that is why you took a liking to me right off the bat! I don't know if we ever talked about us both being from Illinois and from the Chicagoland area. I probably never told you that I grew up in Elgin. You probably didn't know that I was a Cubs fan but maybe you did.

I'm also remembering the first time we met. It was the opening night of the Provender Alliance conference in Hood River, OR. There must have been some kind of welcome party and I was sitting with some of teammates, probably feeling a little awkward and out of place. You must have noticed because you introduced yourself and we talked for quite awhile. You were very generous with your time - I'm sure you probably knew at least 100 people there that night but you took the time to get to know me. I feel like I can now say, "what a Jim thing to do!"

Happy birthday, buddy. It would be great to celebrate with you in person today. Celebrating at a distance will have to suffice.

Love you always.
Thiago Valle
April 17
April 17
Happy Birthday, irmao! Was looking back at the coffee tasting pic in the yes! magazine last week and reminiscing on being welcomed into that group 10 years ago. Coincidentally, Casey was telling hippie van stories, as well as the one when y'all got in the raft to go block the oil tanker. I still try to use "The Jim" for most of my meetings and planning times. Your picture helps me recenter and has a calming effect, anytime I come back to my desk. You're still very present in this building and I haven't stopped missing our early morning chats. Time to throw on "Vamos a la playa," followed by some Hewey Lewis... you know I always have to mess with you a bit. Saudades...
Jan Rhine
April 17
April 17
Remembering you on your birthday today, Jim! Love and miss you!
Tony Renelli
September 13, 2022
September 13, 2022
Jimmy
Sorry, I'm late with this tribute. Things have been busy down here.
Keep sending down your positive vibes. Everybody needs your help right now.
As always save us good seats up there
Rhiannon Laurie
August 26, 2022
August 26, 2022
Jim, Thinking of you today, and many days. I continue to try to live in the example set of your kindness and service to others. Missing you!
Katherine Steffenson
August 25, 2022
August 25, 2022
Five years, sometimes it seems so long and then its just yesterday I had a hug from you when I was leaving you in Portland.
We need and miss you so much; right now your younger brother Andy is in a battle with cancer.
Andy is a very positive man and is doing well in his cancer treatments down at MDAnderson in Houston. We have all spend time with him; but you sorely missed. You would have Andy meditating, maybe some yoga and definitely bringing in and cooking healthly (Although Andy is doing a great job with that.)
I know you are out there sending us, Andy especially, support somehow, I feel you, I hear you saying it will be alright. Miss you so much my son, please continue to connect with us; especially Andy at this time.
Janet Rhine
August 25, 2022
August 25, 2022
Remembering you today, Jim, on the 5th anniversary of your passing. Miss you and love you! 
Douglas Banasky
August 25, 2022
August 25, 2022
Jim's Hymn (translated):

I received my forgiveness
On the Path of Love
I have to Praise
My Father the Savior

I feel so good
Because of everything you say to me
Because of everything you give to me
Because of everything you've forgiven

My Father has Love
He ends all the terrors
He ends all the suffering
I feel all the beauty

Justice and valor
Patience and Vigor
Not one pain exists
With my Father Creator

Everyone has a chance
A chance is what they bring
The Medicine has Power
One cannot forget this
Alexandra Lopez
August 25, 2022
August 25, 2022
Hi Jim,
We are all still here learning and growing with each new day, and, you remain in our hearts as a touchstone for where we came from and where we have arrived to now. May our continued work and prayer be a benefit to you on your journey on the other side and please always know you matter to us whether in the material or in spirit. I love you my dear friend and brother of light!
Tony Renelli
April 19, 2022
April 19, 2022
Happy Greekster Jimmy

We will be missing you at Greek Easter this year . I was around 51 when we met for the first time and you would have been 51 for this Easter. Funny that 51 seems young to me today.

I will have a glass of wine at the dinner to remember you by. Remember to save me a seat up there



Katherine Steffenson
April 17, 2022
April 17, 2022
It’s nearly five years since you left us, and today would be your 51st birthday.
We went to the bench we had put in your memory near our home this morning, and then to your grave to light your candle. Oh Jim there are so many events that have happened since you left. Sharing with your brothers all their life’s happenings. Watching your nephews grow into strong and intellect young men; the passing of three important people in our lives and I know you would have enjoyed our new puppy. I know you would be there for us all, sharing your strength, humor and insight. I have to believe you are somehow able to be with us, it gets me through the day sometimes.
Be at rest Son, and know you are so missed.
Love you Mom

Jan Rhine
April 17, 2022
April 17, 2022
Happy Birthday, Jim!! So much love comes your way today as we celebrate your life and your time with us. At our Easter work yesterday, we felt your presence strongly and sang your hymn. We love you and miss you!! I'll always remember celebrating our birthdays together by going out to eat Pho - each year trading off who picked up the tab. Much love, Jim!!! Always remembered, forever missed!
Katherine Steffenson
August 25, 2021
August 25, 2021
I’ve waited til the end of this day to post, wanted to see whatever tributes came in. Thank you all not just for today, but throughout the year for sharing stories about Jim. It has been four years, its been said time helps the
emptiness left by death of a loved one. It has not for me, after these four years I’m still waiting for Jim to return from one of his adventures. We all know that’s not going to happen. This is why with everyone help through the tributes and emails I receive Jim’s memory is truly becoming eternal. Thank you and love you all for sharing a time in your life with Jim.
Love and miss you my son.
Marie Leach
August 25, 2021
August 25, 2021
Missing you, Jim, always but especially today. Love, Mitzi
Jan Rhine
August 25, 2021
August 25, 2021
It's hard to believe that it's been four years already, Jim. It doesn't seem that long in some ways but, in others, it seems like forever since I saw your smile, heard your voice, prayed with you in church, went to one of your potlucks, went on a 'walk and talk', etc. My many memories of you keep you alive in my heart and in my thoughts. I love and miss you! 
Mark Sawyer
August 25, 2021
August 25, 2021
Four years already?
Very strange.
As I mentioned before, in his months in India "James" had transformed wonderfully. His time with Swami Atmananda Udasin of Ajatananda Ashram in Rishikesh (plus time with him in the environs of Sri Ramana Maharshi at the base of Arunachala) had been visibly and energetically a huge boon.
He left "happy" in at least one very deep way - though that occurrence in New York still baffles me. Saddens me.
Were he able, he would definitely tell everyone not to be concerned, and to move ahead (or to "Just Be"), I'm sure.
Thiago Valle
July 8, 2021
July 8, 2021
You came up a couple times today and I figured I'd send some light and positive vibes your way.
Douglas Banasky
April 18, 2021
April 18, 2021
Jim, in honor of your 50th birthday, I am letting go of being mad at you for leaving -- now I am just sending you love, love and forgiveness.
Thiago Valle
April 17, 2021
April 17, 2021
Happy birthday, irmão. “Vamos a la playa” in the queue in your honor. Hey, you picked it... don’t blame me. Just no Hawaiian, oldies or hard rock. I got it. You are missed, my friend.
Jan Rhine
April 17, 2021
April 17, 2021
Thinking of you, Jim, on what would have been your 50th birthday. Love and miss you!
Cynthia Roth
November 24, 2020
November 24, 2020
I am greatly saddened to learn of Jim's passing. I met Jim in Peru, traveled to Kauai with him and wandered around trade shows with him in Anaheim. Wishing all who know and love him light and love.
Hope Kolly
September 30, 2020
September 30, 2020
Jim, I've been thinking of you and fun times we had at EE and especially our adventures in Chile. It would be so great to talk with you about all of the things going on these days but I know that wherever you are, you're sending out your light. Miss you! 
George Brown
August 25, 2020
August 25, 2020
This has been an emotional day for me but one that gives me shivers and a sense that Jim's presence must be especially strong today.

I worked with Jim while he was with Equal Exchange and I was working at a co-op in Oregon. He left Equal Exchange four years ago or so. I really enjoyed Jim - he was funny and real, caring, kind and he was really passionate about the work he was doing to help improve the lives the food producers around the world.

For some reason, I thought about Jim today and thought I'd google his name to see if I could find out what he was up to these days. That's when I found this site and I realized what had happened. I'm profoundly sad for Jim's family and close friends. I also read a comment and learned that today is the third anniversary of Jim passing.

I'm not sure what caused me to seek out Jim today of all days.

I count Jim as one of the truly great people I've come into contact with in my life. I will miss him and strive to do good work in the world in tribute to Jim and his influence.

Thiago Valle
August 25, 2020
August 25, 2020
Jimothy,

I miss our discussions and learning from one another. I repeat stories to people, to keep your memory fresh in my mind. I still laugh anytime I hear Huey Lewis and The News and reminisce on our other silly debates.

I am glad to have had you in my life.

Christian Le
August 25, 2020
August 25, 2020
Brother-- we continue to feel your presence regularly and feel your joy to see our little Isabella laugh and play. Thank you for your friendship, kindness and support for before and still now.

I send you lots of well wishes for you on your current journey wherever you are in the universe!
Tom Hanlon-Wilde
August 25, 2020
August 25, 2020
Rest in Power, Jim. We could use you in these unsettled times and your memory gives us strength.
Janet Rhine
August 25, 2020
August 25, 2020
Thinking of you today, Jim. After three years, you are still missed and loved very much!! Forever missed!! 
Katherine Steffenson
August 25, 2020
August 25, 2020
It’s been three years today since you left us. I’m graceful to have watched you grow up into a caring, compassionate, always doing for and looking out for everyone you came in contact with. I miss you everyday , I do sense your presence at times. It brings me peace. 
On my way to cemetery to light your candle. May you Rest In Peace my Son.
May your memory be eternal. Love you forever, Mom
Tony Renelli
April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020
Happy Birthday, Jim,

I'm here to celebrate the 46 years you shared with us.
I have many great memories of you because of the person that you were.
You were able to do what most of us never do, live life to the fullest.

The brightest stars in the sky burn out first...and so did you
But the memory of these stars lasts eternally so will our memory of you because you were that bright.

Celebrate today with Papi, Nanni, and uncle Andy. I am proud that we were family.

Celebrate in everlasting happiness
Niko B
April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020
Happy birthday Jim! I miss you very much, I think of you often. I still reflect on the many lessons you taught me, and integrate them into my life today. I feel your presence, and keep your post card on my altar. Whenever I read your words, I am inspired to be there for my brothers and sisters, because you always were, and I know you still are. Thank you for the years of friendship and guidance.

Love you Jim
Parabéns irmão
Douglas Banasky
April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020
Happy Birthday, my dear brother Jim! I miss you beyond words, and my grief is fresh and strong. One memory that is with me today is from when I lived in your house on Reedway Street. One summer evening you spontaneously grabbed me and asked me to go for a walk around the block, as you needed to talk about some things that were on your mind. I remember the joy and the camaraderie walking with you and sharing our stories and feelings, and supporteing each other. You are a great friend, and I send you my love on your 49th birthday.
Katherine Steffenson
April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020
Happy Birthday my Son, wanted to post something today, but its hard.
What would you have thought of what the world is going through, I know you would have your opinion. You would have been there for anyone who needed something, whether emotionally or physically. You would be calling home to check on all the family.
I love you, Rest In Peace, and May your Memory be Eternal
Christian Le
April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020
Love you Jim! I feel your presence all the time and know you would absolutely love our little Isabella and she would love you!
Jan Rhine
April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020
Happy Birthday, dear Jim!! Today would have been your 49th birthday. We wouldn't have been able to have a big party for you because we're all stuck in our houses due to this surreal situation on the planet right now. But we celebrate you today, nonetheless, with so much love and happy memories of having you in our lives. Your photo on my altar smiles at me every day when I sit to do my prayers. You continue to live and shine brightly in my life and in the lives of those in your Portland community. Love you! Happy Birthday! And be at peace!
Nick Pavlica
April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020
Thinking this would have been last birthday in 40's. Remembering the last ones in our teens (really good times) and 20's. Now these are just a distant memories, but your candle and impact you made will always burn bright.
Tyler Hall
April 17, 2020
April 17, 2020
Remembering and thinking of Jim today.
Tony Renelli
September 7, 2019
September 7, 2019
I know your birthday was special because Papi and Nani were with you.
May you find the eternal peace that you were looking for here on earth.
You will always be missed by friends and family because of the quality time you spent with us and not the quantity
Peace
Mark Sawyer
August 25, 2019
August 25, 2019
I didn't know you for long, and all in India. However, your company in Tiruvannamalai, and then your (somehow much more evolved) presence in Rishikesh, will always be remembered.
Somehow I wish you knew how many people really loved you. I didn't until I attended your memorial near Ashland. What I did know was how much you were appreciated by Swami Atmananda of Ajatananda Ashram in Rishikesh, and that showed a lot.
You're fine... Great. It's we still here who are missing you. It's certainly not the other way around, as you "Are" what we will, sooner or later, "Be."
Blessings Always, Amigo.
Jan Rhine
August 25, 2019
August 25, 2019
Remembering you with so much love today, dear Jim. I just listened to your hymn. It was wonderful to hear your voice again. I still have your sweet hummingbird wind chime, your last gift to me, hanging in my little apartment. I bump into it every so often. It feels like you're saying, "Hi", to me and always brings a smile to my face. You are still so much a part of our hearts in our spiritual community here in Portland. Your love and your service will live on forever. Much love to you, dear Jim. Sending prayers of love, comfort and blessings to you on this day. You are loved and missed, my dear brother!
Alexandra Lopez
April 17, 2019
April 17, 2019
Happy Birthday old friend. Osha asks about uncle Jim a lot lately. He wants always to look at your picture and to know all about you. We have your birthday on our calendar and will sing you a happy birthday song after school. We miss seeing your sparkly eyes and laughing with you. You still shine brightly in our memories and you are part of our chosen family. We love you.
Jan Rhine
April 17, 2019
April 17, 2019
Today is the 48th anniversary of your birth, Jim! Happy Birthday, dear friend! I'll miss the Pho birthday lunch we would do every year to celebrate both of our birthdays. You are so missed in our spiritual community here in Portland but your presence is still felt strongly. Many days I'll think about you and forget that you're not just still in India. I feel that, in some way, you've helped me through some challenging situations during these past few years - like a guardian angel. Thank you! You are loved, dear Jim! Forever missed! Never to be forgotten! Much, much love - Jan
Thiago Valle
August 27, 2018
August 27, 2018
"Jimothy"
I think about you often and about how much of an impression you left on me. I'm sorry I wasn't as aware of it when you were here. I'm comforted by the Jim stories that are still told around the office and by the laughs and smiles they bring. Thank you for who you were and for what that means to me now.
Mark Sawyer
August 25, 2018
August 25, 2018
If Jim had to go, he couldn't have left in a better "state" than that which he had come to in his months with Swami Atmananda of Ajatananda Ashram in the first half of 2017.
Such a good guy. I could write pages about his good qualities, many of which are all too rare in this "plane." Would that we had more like him, and for longer.
Jan Rhine
August 25, 2018
August 25, 2018
Dear Jim, although it's been a year today that you left us, you are forever in my heart, my dear friend. I remember your big smile and beautiful heart, our long talks, celebrating our birthdays (only 10 days plus many years apart) at different Vietnamese pho restaurants each year and simply enjoying your presence, your friendship and your wisdom. You are so loved and so missed!
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Recent Tributes
Katherine Steffenson
April 17
April 17
It’s Mom, Jim. I know you are near, I especially felt your presence the last 3-4 days.. each morning as I reach the bottom step from my bedroom, I could smell the aroma from your house; probably the incense you used..Did not sense it today on your birthday. That’s ok; I know you are watching over me and all our family and I’m sure you are checking in many others, because that’s the kind of guy you were.
You are so missed. Be at peace my son.
Happy 52th birthday❤️
George Brown
April 17
April 17
Well, it happened again, Jim.

I was thinking about you yesterday - totally out of the blue - and then I find that today is your birthday. Amazing and too much of a coincidence to be a coincidence.

I'm remembering that we shared the name George, and I'm certain that is why you took a liking to me right off the bat! I don't know if we ever talked about us both being from Illinois and from the Chicagoland area. I probably never told you that I grew up in Elgin. You probably didn't know that I was a Cubs fan but maybe you did.

I'm also remembering the first time we met. It was the opening night of the Provender Alliance conference in Hood River, OR. There must have been some kind of welcome party and I was sitting with some of teammates, probably feeling a little awkward and out of place. You must have noticed because you introduced yourself and we talked for quite awhile. You were very generous with your time - I'm sure you probably knew at least 100 people there that night but you took the time to get to know me. I feel like I can now say, "what a Jim thing to do!"

Happy birthday, buddy. It would be great to celebrate with you in person today. Celebrating at a distance will have to suffice.

Love you always.
View all 103 tributes
Gallery
Equal Exchange delegation Chile 2013.
Equal Exchange delegation Chile 2013. Adventures with Jim always involved lots of questions.
Equal Exchange delegation Chile 2013. Thinking of Jim on his birthday and remembering his kindness.
Magazine article, yes! magazine issue #65 - Spring 2013
Happy Birthday to my extraordinary Son
Happy Birthday to us!
Celebrating our birthdays together by being sung to
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His Life

Quick trip to Portland

Have been wanting to go and see Jim’s friends in Portland.  Alex organized a gathering, a lot of Jims friends joined us.  Many I knew, Jim shared stories about them and some I did not know before.  I was told by each and everyone person, what an effect Jim had on them. Whether just being there to listen, show up and help a friend paint a room, encourage one to do what they wanted to do but were not sure about. Financially help another start a business. 
Jim I knew what a special person you were throughout the years with our family. But the heartfelt 
sentiments that everyone shared, just filled my heart with such emotion. You were truly an 
extraordinary human being and I was so blessed to be your Mother, thank you my Son.
May your Memory be Eternal

Two Years have passed

It has been two years since you left us; they say it will start getting easier, but it only feels harder with each passing day, month and year.  But I truly feel your presence  around me, in the many talks we had, and our time spend together. I learned a lot from you my Son. Your calmest, the way when you were speaking to someone; you completely listened and tried to help if needed.  Of course you got me started with yoga, I’m still very active; now if I could only begin meditation, which you always encouraged me to.  I believe you are at peace, so we who miss you need to continue with our lives knowing that you are watching over us.  Rest In Peace , May your Memory be Eternal.    Love Mom

A Memorial Bench

Seven months have passed since Nanny has been gone. All my energy has been in consumed in emptying Poppy’s and Nanny’s home for forty plus years. Everything I touched brought back wonderful memories of all the family and friends throughout the years that spend a holiday, birthday, BBQ , pool parties or just you guys hanging out with your friends. Jim you were there in spirit, helping and encouraging me along the way.   I wanted to have some place to be special and a happy memory.  The park where you and your brothers and friends spend a lot of time , and was next to the home you boys grew up in seemed perfect.  So here you are; I think you would approve. Still intend on going to Portland to see all your friends there, and also have a memorial to leave with all the great folks you spend your last 15 years with

View all 6 Life stories
Recent stories

Happy Birthday Jim

April 17, 2020
by Katherine Steffenson
Just wanted to post a few pictures; one when you were small and the other I found after going through pictures we brought home from Portland, from your very large collection of pictures from all over the world.
I love this second one because I feel it really show the true essence of Jim Feldmann, the half smile, the bright eyes, the dimple and especially the peace sign.  I believe this picture was taken in Brazil.
Happy Birthday
May you Rest In Peace, and May your Memory be Eternal
View all 44 stories

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