JAMES STRAIN Obituary

STRAIN--James Joseph. February 15th, 1933 -- August 1st, 2023. With great sadness we announce James Joseph Strain passed on August 1, 2023 with a life of integrity, creativity, service, and love. Born in Coldwater, MI to Roy and Mildera Strain, attended University of Michigan, performed Navy service 1954-1957, Jim completed his MD at Case Western Reserve and Montefiore-Albert Einstein Assistant Professor 1968-1973. Psychoanalysis trained (New York Psychoanalytic Institute) he attained Professor of Psychiatry at Mt. Sinai Hospital 1979, Director of Behavioral Medicine/ Consultation, then awarded Icahn School Professor of Medical Education and Master Teacher 2014. Retired December 2022 with international awards, Jim trained 140 post-graduate fellows, worked 21 Boards/Committees, 22 professional organizations, and 27 journals; he wrote 577 publications, 807 presentations, four grants - National Institutes of Mental Health & NCI, and six books during active private practice. His computerized medical systems in Spain/ Portugal, Australia, Switzerland, England, Uruguay, 30 Mexico centers, Argentina, and 10 US teaching hospitals trained the future. Jim's greatest strength was caring as teacher, physician, and leader. He tackled weaknesses in Medicine as first chairperson of Dean's Ethics at Mt. Sinai, caring for families/ survivors of the World Trade Center 9/11 attack, and as Distinguished Life Fellow Award for 50 years of Service - American Psychiatric Association. His passions were travel to all 251 world countries, collecting African art for museums, and attending the Metropolitan Opera. His wife Gladys of 68 years, his three sons, family/friends remember his tireless energy, his selflessness, and amazing strength. He had the gift to see the best in everyone and support their endeavors. He will be incredibly missed.

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Published by New York Times on Aug. 20, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for JAMES STRAIN

13 Entries

Samuel Langer

February 24, 2025

He was an incredible mentor during my residency at Montefiore
A role model to emulate
Dr Samuel J Langer 1972-1975

Samuel J Langer MD

January 8, 2025

A wonderful person/teacher/mentor. I had the privilege of training as a resident under Jim and learned so much not only about psychiatry, but also about how dedication/hard work/integrity/compassion are the necessary components of success in our chosen profession.
Condolences to the family. Samuel J Langer MD

Mrs. Jeffrey Hammer

December 28, 2024

RIP

Dan and Sherrill Blazer

March 13, 2024

Just learned of Jim's death. I was a fellow in C&L Psychiatry at Montefiore 1975-1976. Jim and family welcomed us with open arms and not only was an excellent teacher, he and family virtually adopted our very southern family for a year. Dan Blazer

Catherine Foley, Ph.D.

December 21, 2023

Such a gentleman and good listener. A world traveler who loved so many and so much. Many happy memories of travel adventures and our visits in NYC. Certainly admired him for his love of wife, Gladys, and family.
The world was a better place because of him.

R.I.P.

Claudia Sickinger, M.D.

December 17, 2023

I will be forever grateful to Dr. Strain for his incredible advice, teaching, mentoring and most notably, his example. He was a giant in intellect, kindness, and in his gift of providing a philosophical perspective. His contribution as an ethical leader at Mount Sinai helped shape the atmosphere that make it such a stellar academic and clinical institution. I know I am among many who will miss him. My condolences to his family.

Akhil Shenoy

September 1, 2023

Jim Strain was a great soul and inspired me beyond description. He will be deeply missed.

Carol Cox-De Vore

August 29, 2023

While only working for Jim for a short time in the 1970s, his caring and sensitivity shone through. I so much enjoyed my interactions with Jim and remember him very fondly. Sincerest condolences to Gladys and their sons.

Steve Snyder

August 28, 2023

So sad to learn of his passing. Jim was a mentor, a dear friend, a thorough gentleman, and a tireless champion for what's right and good. They truly don't make men like him anymore.
My deepest condolences to Gladys and to the next generation of Strain men and their families.

William Breitbart MD

August 28, 2023

Jim Strain was a mentor, teacher, colleague and wise counsel. As an applicant to CL fellowships in 1984, training with Jim was the thing to do. When he interviewed me, and heard my story, he looked deeply into my eyes and paused for a moment. He then said " Bill, Jimmie Holland has a new fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center . I think that´s where you belong." He was right. And I´ve had a rewarding 39 year career at MSK thanks impart to Jim´s wise counsel. In 2002, I remember a conversation with Jim during s period when I was looking at other leadership positions after not being selected to replace Dr Holland as Chair. Jim´s advice to me was "Bill, grow where you´re planted." I stayed at MSK, did some of the best work of my career and eventually was named Chair in 2011. Jim Strain is an icon , a legend and will always be in my heart and mind and soul serving as a wise guide.

Mary Alice O'Dowd

August 27, 2023

Jim was my mentor, a colleague, a friend, a giant in the field, an inspiration to all of us. He will be missed.

Joel Wallack

August 21, 2023

Jim was my teacher, mentor, colleague and friend. A brilliant compassionate advocate for the psychiatric care of the medically-ill. His contributions to his students and patients are legendary. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to Gladys and his sons. Dr. Joel Wallack

MIchael Blumenfield

August 20, 2023

Wonderful teacher , clinician , colleague and friend
We will miss him but never forget him

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