Najmulshah Syed

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Najmulshah (Jim) Syed, 74, of Todt Hill, a retired certified public accountant, Indian naval officer, medical practice manager and family man, died Wednesday in Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze, after a five-year battle with lung cancer.

Born and raised in Mumbai, India, he graduated from the National Defense Academy in Pune, India, earning a bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees, and served in the Indian Navy, retiring with the rank of commander.

Mr. Syed immigrated to the United States in 1979, moving to Prospect Park, Brooklyn. Two years later he moved to Huguenot, then lived in Annadale until settling in Todt Hill in 1992.

He received his master's degree in accounting from Pace University, Manhattan.

Beginning in 1981, Mr. Syed worked for the Helmsley Corporation in Manhattan for 10 years, then took a position in Staten Island University Hospital's Department of Finance in 1990. He retired in 2013, but continued managing the obstetrics-gynecology practice of his wife, Dr. Radha Rajgopal Syed.

He was a member of a professional accounting organization.

"He was a wonderful, wonderful man," said his wife. "He was valiant and very brave. He was a strong swimmer, and when he was in the Indian Navy helped save survivors after a helicopter crashed into the ocean.

"He was hardworking, had very high standards and was a man of honor," she continued. "He was respected by his colleagues and loved by his family and friends. And he cherished his grandson, Miles."

Mr. Syed had been a champion boxer as a young man. He loved dancing and was a very good ballroom dancer. He had a passion for sailing and was fond of hunting. He was an avid Elvis Presley fan, loved "Jailhouse Rock," and enjoyed imitating Elvis' singing and dancing.

He also had a deep interest in Republican politics.

Mr. Syed and his wife would have celebrated their 44th anniversary on Jan. 24.

Surviving, along with his wife, Dr. Radha, are his son, Syraj; his brothers, Feroze, Dilawer and Munawar, and his grandson.

The funeral service will be Friday at noon in the Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners. Cremation will follow in Rosehill Crematory, Linden, N.J.