Jehangir "Jim" Rustom Sethna

Dr. Jehangir Rustom "Jim" Sethna, Colonel USAFR (Ret), of Oak Brook and West Chicago, IL and Bombay, India, passed away Tuesday, August 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his best friend and wife of 53 years, Bonnie, nee Richards; adoring father of Donna (Tim) Schoenenberger, Darius (Leslie), and James (Eileen); doting grandfather to Steven, Michael, Alyssa, Fiona, Kayla, Devin, Nicholas, Maeve and Keegan; wonderful brother to Behram (Ruby); Uncle "Jahngu" to nieces and nephews, and "Doc" to friends, colleagues, and his grateful patients.

Jim was born March 27, 1944, to Behram and Rhoda Sethna in Bombay, India. Raised in the Zoroastrian faith with duties to God, his principles of charity, humility, integrity and honor were core to his life. He excelled in school, sports, and the arts. After graduating from T.N. Medical College in Bombay, he emigrated to the United States at the age of 25 to complete his medical residency. His initial assignment was in the emergency room at Ravenswood Hospital in Chicago, a post that would change his life in every meaningful way. It was while triaging and treating patients that he encountered Bonnie, a brilliant, bold, and beautiful nurse who ran the ER and consistently "bossed" him around. During that first Christmas, Bonnie felt sorry for the "new resident" and invited him home for dinner with her family. They fell in love, married, and raised a beautiful family over five decades together, during which she occasionally "bossed" him around.

During his over 30 years as a surgeon, he was also compelled by his duty to serve the country he loved and in 1980, Jim enlisted in the Air Force Reserves. While serving, Jim was second in command of the O'Hare Air Wing Medical Unit and served in the first Gulf War. He completed his reserve career at Scott Air Force Base.

He most adored being with his family. He traveled the world with Bonnie and when time allowed, cherished spending days and early nights gardening. Becoming a grandfather was a role he cherished. You could always find "Grandpa" in his chair with one or more grandkids on his lap asking for a sip of his pop or a treat, to which he would respond, "of course, my darling."

His integrity and commitment to serving others while living righteously inspired all who knew him. To honor his life, please be kind and do good.