Jim Bernstein, 62, Managed Rural Health Care Center

Jim Bernstein died Sunday, June 12, at home surrounded by family. He was 62.

The son of Jacqueline and Robert Bernstein, Jim was born Oct. 21, 1942, in New York city.

Throughout his life, he looked forward to spending time each summer at the family home in Aquinnah. After graduating from Johns Hopkins University, Jim left the United States 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 U.S. Public Health Service and moved to North Carolina to study at the University of North Carolina. Jim concentrated on rural health, and this focus became a passion that sustained him for the next 35 years.

When still in his twenties, Jim was chosen as director of the first office of rural health in the United States. The North Carolina Office of Rural Health 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 North Carolina 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 17 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Carolina Club in Chapel Hill, N.C. Memorial contributions may be made to: The North Carolina Foundation for Advanced Health Programs Inc., Attention: Jim Bernstein Community Health Leadership Fund, P.O. Box 10245, Raleigh, NC 27605. For further information call the North Carolina Office of Research Demonstration and Rural Health Development at 919-733-2040.