James Bernstein

Jim Bernstein, 62, died Sunday, June 12, at home surrounded by family. The son of Jacqueline and Robert Bernstein, Jim was born October 21, 1942 in New York, NY, After graduating from The Johns Hopkins University, Jim left the US for a two year Peace Corps experience in Morocco, where he met and married his wife and life partner, Susan Dill. Jim went on to receive a Master's Degree from the University of Michigan in Hospital Administration.
At 26, Jim became the director of the Indian Health Services for northern New Mexico. In 1970, he was awarded a three-year fellowship in the US Public Health Service and moved to North Carolina to study at UNC. Jim concentrated on rural health, and this focus became a passion that sustained him for the next 35 years.
Still in his 20's, Jim was chosen as Director of the first office of rural health in the US. The North Carolina Office of Rural Health Office works to improve health care delivery to people in rural areas throughout the state. Under his 30 year leadership, 81 community-owned rural health centers were created and more than 1,800 primary health care providers were recruited to North Carolina. The NorthCarolina Office of Rural Health has served as a model for the country. Most recently, Jim served as Assistant Secretary for Health overseeing North Carolina Departments of Facility Services, Medical Assistance, Mental Health, Minority Health, Public Health, and Rural Health.
Jim loved life's challenges and took them on with great gusto. He was an avid skier, tennis player, golfer, and world traveler. He had a passion for art, good food, the latest gadget, and adventure. He made life exciting for those around him, particularly his family, upon whom he showered his greatest love and devotion.
Jim is survived by his wife of 40 years, Susan Bernstein; his daughter, Lori Allen, her husband, Richard Allen and their daughter, Emilia Allen; his son, Eric Bernstein; his daughter, Donna Bernstein; his sister, Ann Holz, her husband, Ron Holz and their two children, Bob and Jon Holz; his sister, Jane Bernstein; his brother, David Bernstein, his wife, Monica Bernstein and their two children,Sally and Sam Bernstein; many friends who are as close as family; and finally his irreverent blue and gold macaw, Murray.
A memorial service will be held July 17th from 2-4 p.m. at the Carolina Club.
Memorial contributions may be made to "The NC Foundation for Advanced Health Programs, Inc.", Attention: Jim Bernstein Community Health Leadership Fund, PO Box 10245, Raleigh, NC 27605.
For further information call the N.C. Office of Research Demonstrations and Rural Health Development at 733-2040.