Dr. James E. Bergman DMus

Dr. James Edward Bergman James Edward Bergman, a.k.a. “Doc”, born January 5th, 1945 in Sparta, Wisconsin to Dorothy Mae Bushek and Otho Odin Bergman. First born of two children, younger brother Mark. Jim attended St Patrick’s grade school in Sparta before the family moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin in 1955. Jim graduated from Blessed Sacrament grade school in 1959 and Aquinas High School in 1963. Following high school, Jim entered the novitiate of the Brothers of Holy Cross. Jim attended college at St Edwards University in Austin, Texas. Following graduation and teaching assignments at St Charles in Milwaukee and St Thomas Moore in Clinton, Michigan as a Holy Cross Brother, Jim decided not to take his final vows, rather leaving the Brotherhood and beginning a life-long career that encompassed teaching and music. His first job was in 1971 at Divine Child in Dearborn, Michigan establishing himself as a parish music director and teacher of young people in the formation of religion and music. As time went by, Jim became well known for the annual school musicals that he directed. In 1985 he relocated to Chicago, having been recruited by Fr Rich Yanos, to St Celestine’s and then later to St Eugene’s where Jim continued his life-long dedication of developing applied music skills within young people, many of whom still are in communication with him to this day after 53 years of precious memories. In all, Jim directed more than 40 Broadway musicals with the young people of each parish he served. Jim’s musicals were simply magical. During all of this, Jim received his Doctor of Music degree from Northwestern University in 1991. Therefore the nickname heard so often …“Doc”. He then taught at DePaul University for a period of time. Jim became a dog owner in 1989. He loved Golden Retrievers and had 8 beautiful dogs, Rusty, Sonny, Woody Whitey, Dusty, Charley, Jimmy and Jamey. Jim retired from formal church ministry duties in 2015 but continued giving music lessons and “pinch hitting” for local church organists until his health began diminishing. In his 80th year on September 27th, 2024, Jim passed peacefully in his sleep to be with his Lord and Savior …with his ever faithful Kathy and Anthony’s mom Debbie at his bedside. Jim’s spirit will always be with those who remember him. Survivors Jim is survived by his loving family that includes: his “soul mate” Kathy and “son” Anthony Woldeit. Both Kathy and Anthony have been Jim’s Chicago based family for many years …lovingly providing my brother with companionship, care and counsel. One brother Mark and his wife Patti. Two nephews and two nieces: his Godson Joseph Bergman and his wife Kaycee, Matthew Bergman and his wife Katie, Ann Lent and her husband Jamie and Jennifer Hoernke and her husband Tim. Two great-nephews: Xefrem Bergman and Garrett Hoernke. And 7 great-nieces: Xoe Bergman Alvarez, Ashlyn Murphy, Allyson Lent, Emily Lent, Emma Hoernke and Emmylou Bergman. One beloved cousin, Judith Johanson who Jim always depended upon for family history. Jim and I called Judy frequently with ancestry questions. One two year old Golden Retriever, Jamey, that Jim dearly loved. And countless dear friends …

Tributes

Dr. James E. Bergman DMus

January 5, 1945 - September 27, 2024