Jimmy Bernstein

Family-Placed Death Notice

Jimmy Bernstein, 75, of Athens, died January 8, 2007, from complications associated with Lewy Body Dementia. Born in Athens, Georgia, September 23, 1931, to Jake and Anne Bernstein, Jimmy graduated from Athens High School in 1948 and later attended Darlington School in Rome, Georgia, and the University of Georgia, where he excelled in javelin throwing. Desiring a career in acting, he moved to New York City where he graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and began to pursue a theatrical career under the stage name of Jesse Black. From New York he moved to Hollywood, California, his most notable role being in "The Wrong Man" starring Henry Fonda. Among others, his poker buddies included Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, Walter Matthau and Gavin McLeod. Returning to Athens when his father became ill in 1961, he farmed and raised cattle and later had a successful career as a real estate broker. He founded Delta Realty in 1977 and earned entry in the Million Dollar Club in 1983. He semi-retired in 2000, but remained active until 2005. He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Anne Martin Bernstein; daughter and son-in-law, Lora and Jody Cooley of Gainesville, Georgia; daughter and son-in-law, Robin and Tad Dance of Chattanooga, Tennessee; sons Jason and Rick (J.R.) Bernstein, both of Athens; sister, Paula Putnam of Heathrow, Florida; two nieces Ellie Putnam of Germany and Kathryn Yarbrough of Maryland; five grandchildren, Lila Kate and Abby Cooley, and Rachel, Thomas and Stephen Dance. A memorial service will be 11AM Friday, January 12, 2007, at Bernstein Funeral Home, Atlanta Highway, Athens, Georgia with Rabbi Ronald Gerson officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday, January 11, 2007, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Bernstein. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Assn., PO Box 451429, Atlanta, Ga 31145-9429 (http://www.lewybodydementia.org), or to the Athens Y Camp for Boys, 915 Hawthorne Ave, Athens, Ga 30606. Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com