The following tribute was written by former colleagues and Fenway Health staff members Lee Ellenberg and Rhonda Linde:

James Anaya Fishman (Jim) died peacefully on Aug. 11, 2025, in Sutter Roseville Medical Center, California, surrounded by friends, following an acute cardiac event.

His passing is a great loss to the Fenway Health community as he was instrumental in establishing both the center’s Mental Health Department and The AIDS Action Committee.

In 1981, Jim became the first mental health provider and social worker hired by Fenway Community Health Center, as it was then known. In that capacity, he initiated a Big Brother/Sister program for neighboring youth with Northeastern University, as well as mental health services for Fenway patients, including elderly living nearby. He led one of the first therapy groups for gay men in the Boston area.

When AIDS was first identified in Boston at Fenway, Jim and colleagues in November 1982, organized two “AIDS FORUMS” at Fenway Community Health Center to discuss the medical and psychosocial issues concerning AIDS. They and concerned community members met regularly to identify the social and emotional support needs of persons living with AIDS, as well as their circles of friends and family. He was steadfast and tireless in the need to develop services, while the greater community remained fearful, unresponsive and blaming. These efforts evolved into the establishment of the AIDS Action Committee at Fenway in 1983, which he considered one of his most outstanding accomplishments.

Jim left Boston in 1985 to become the Men’s Services director at Operation Concern, a behavioral health organization in San Francisco for the LGBTQ community and went on to become a highly respected and innovative psychotherapist, supervisor, consultant and trainer in the Bay area and beyond. He was especially known for his group therapy expertise.

Jim was formative in Fenway’s early years and evolution that we want to acknowledge his passing and pay tribute to the profound impact he has made in our community. Our thoughts go out to his family and his large chosen family.

More: fenwayhealth.org

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