James Marshall Fishman

James Anaya Fishman, known to friends as Jim, Jimmy or Anaya, died peacefully on Aug. 11, 2025, in Sutter Roseville Medical Center, surrounded by several friends, after a brief but very acute illness.

The third child of Peter and Rose Fishman, Jim was born in Revere, Mass. on October 1, 1950, and came to San Francisco from Boston in 1983, returning to California several years after his undergraduate student years in Berkeley. He previously resided in Revere, Swampscott and Somerville, Mass. He received a bachelor of arts degree in sociology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master’s of social work from Boston University.

Jim was well known in the San Francisco Bay Area through his work as a social worker and psychotherapist. He was also a prolific artist. His art included watercolors and pen and ink, much of which was enjoyed by friends which he generously gifted through printed tee shirts and note cards. He was an avid swimmer, cook and an early gay activist. Jim was loved for his wit, charm and whimsey.

Having previously lived for some time in an ashram in India, he cherished his involvement with the Siddha Yoga spiritual community in Oakland, Calif., as well as the Chocmat HaLev Jewish spiritual practice in Berkeley, Calif. Jim will be remembered in services in these communities. An ecumenical celebration of his life will occur in October.

The Lambert Funeral Home of Roseville, Calif., arranged for cremation.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Betty Weiss and Jane Fishman.

He is survived by his domestic partner, Kevin McGirr of San Francisco, as well as his nephew, Clay Weiss, his great niece and great nephew Lindsey and Jeffrey Kucharsky, as well as an extensive network of friends.