He was 90 years old. Jim was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his family, countless friends, long-time gallery staff, devoted caregivers, and business colleagues. Jim was known for his honesty, generosity, warm heart, perennial optimism, and wonderful sense of humor. He was an outstanding and beloved husband, father, grandfather and father-in-law. Jim lived life to the fullest, and made the world a more wonderful place for everyone in his orbit.
Jim was an influential art dealer who recently celebrated his namesake gallery’s 60th anniversary. A founding member of the Art Dealers Association of America, he served two terms as president, from 1994 to 1997. Jim opened his first art gallery in Buffalo, NY in 1957, where he showed works by both contemporary American artists and established modern masters. In 1967, he moved his gallery to New York, where he developed close relationships with colleagues Richard Gray, Allan Stone, Donald Morris, Rachel Adler, Arnie Glimpcher, Bill Acquavella among others, and with the artist Roy Lichtenstein and his wife, Dorothy. Jim built many private collections and was known for his trustworthiness and collaborative nature. Jim enjoyed mentoring young art dealers, who appreciated his support and encouragement. Additionally, he was a founding board member of the smallest NPR station in the nation, Robin Hood Radio.
Born in Rochester, NY to Abraham and Fanny Posmantur Goodman, Jim was preceded in death by his three siblings, Sylvia, Howard, and Lewis. He is survived by his wife, Katherine Komaroff Goodman; daughter, Jill Goodman and her partner Marshall Miles; daughter, Laura Goodman, and her husband Evan Leventhal; son, Drew Goodman and his wife Myra; two grandchildren, Jeff and Marea Goodman; brother-in-law Dr. Tony Komaroff and his wife, Dr. Lydia-Villa Komaroff; and by his loyal dog, Sarge.
The family would like to thank Jim’s extended family for their ongoing support and devotion: Jim’s doctor, David Silverman; Aktar Hossain, Ike Boakye and Geraldine Roland, for their loving care; and Patsy Tompkins, James Goodman Gallery’s veteran director, as well as the gallery staff, past and present, for their dedication and many kindnesses.
Jim loved Central Park and spent time there every day, weather permitting. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be sent to the Central Park Conservancy, or to Tri-State Public Communications, Inc. C/O Robin Hood Radio.
A private celebration of his life will be held at a future date.
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