Local Journalism Legend Passes Away at 84, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Attention to Detail
Former Chicago Sun-Times copy editor Jim Fleming was known for being an editing machine who never had an off switch. His wife, Joette, recalled how he would even correct her grocery lists and point out tiny spelling errors. Fleming's sense of humor about his own strict adherence to grammar and style was evident in a T-shirt that read: "I'm silently editing your grammar."
Despite his meticulous nature, colleagues praised Fleming for being a steady and trustworthy presence on the copy desk. Tom Frisbie, a former Sun-Times editorial board member, noted that Fleming's weekend and overnight shifts allowed younger workers to have better hours and enabled him to work in quieter periods of the day.
Fleming stood out as a paragon of integrity, prepared to call out stories that didn't meet the paper's standards. Jeff Britt, another former Sun-Times copy editor, said that Fleming was someone you could always count on for guidance, particularly when it came to navigating complex factual issues.
A veteran of 34 years at the Sun-Times, Fleming began his career as a reporter in Richmond, Indiana, where he covered a devastating gas explosion that killed 41 people in 1968. Over the years, he was approached by local news outlets on the anniversary of the tragedy, a testament to the enduring impact of his reporting.
Fleming's dedication to accuracy and truth, combined with his humility and courtesy, earned him the respect of colleagues and readers alike. As Scott Fornek, former Sun-Times politics editor, put it: "He was a true gentleman, always approaching reporters and editors with tact and courtesy."
The 84-year-old Fleming passed away January 5th at his home in Bensenville due to a degenerative muscle disease. He is survived by his wife Joette, son Robert, daughter Kristen Ryan, and five grandchildren.
Former Chicago Sun-Times copy editor Jim Fleming was known for being an editing machine who never had an off switch. His wife, Joette, recalled how he would even correct her grocery lists and point out tiny spelling errors. Fleming's sense of humor about his own strict adherence to grammar and style was evident in a T-shirt that read: "I'm silently editing your grammar."
Despite his meticulous nature, colleagues praised Fleming for being a steady and trustworthy presence on the copy desk. Tom Frisbie, a former Sun-Times editorial board member, noted that Fleming's weekend and overnight shifts allowed younger workers to have better hours and enabled him to work in quieter periods of the day.
Fleming stood out as a paragon of integrity, prepared to call out stories that didn't meet the paper's standards. Jeff Britt, another former Sun-Times copy editor, said that Fleming was someone you could always count on for guidance, particularly when it came to navigating complex factual issues.
A veteran of 34 years at the Sun-Times, Fleming began his career as a reporter in Richmond, Indiana, where he covered a devastating gas explosion that killed 41 people in 1968. Over the years, he was approached by local news outlets on the anniversary of the tragedy, a testament to the enduring impact of his reporting.
Fleming's dedication to accuracy and truth, combined with his humility and courtesy, earned him the respect of colleagues and readers alike. As Scott Fornek, former Sun-Times politics editor, put it: "He was a true gentleman, always approaching reporters and editors with tact and courtesy."
The 84-year-old Fleming passed away January 5th at his home in Bensenville due to a degenerative muscle disease. He is survived by his wife Joette, son Robert, daughter Kristen Ryan, and five grandchildren.
Sorry to hear about Jim Fleming's passing... I always admired people who take pride in their work & strive for accuracy 
. As a copy editor myself, I know how much it can mean to get those tiny details right 
. But what really impressed me was his sense of humor about being so detail-oriented – that "I'm silently editing your grammar" tee is still giving me chuckles 
. It's clear he didn't take himself too seriously, but still got the job done with passion & integrity 
. I'm sure many in the journalism community will miss him... he was a true professional & an inspiration to those who follow in his footsteps 
.
I mean, who else could make editing sound cool? 
Jim Fleming was the real MVP - 34 years of dedication to accuracy and truth is something we should all strive for 
. I'm glad he got to see the impact of his work, especially with those local news outlets still reaching out after all these years 
. And let's be real, who needs a T-shirt when you can just live your life as a grammar-obsessed editing machine? 
Rest in peace, Jim Fleming - we'll miss you 
just heard about the passing of Jim Fleming 
what a legend in journalism 
legendary for correcting even his own wife's grocery lists 
34 yrs at Sun-Times is impressive 
tribute to accuracy & truth 
. As someone who values attention to detail, I have immense respect for his dedication to accuracy and truth 
.
. What I find truly remarkable about Fleming is that he remained humble and courteous throughout his career, earning him the respect of both colleagues and readers 
. His dedication to these values is an inspiration, not just for journalists but for anyone who aspires to make a positive impact 
he sounds like an amazing guy 
, but hey at least it made the papers better right? anyhoo, his legacy will live on through the countless articles he helped shape over the years 
It's amazing how his passion for grammar & style stuck with him even in the most mundane tasks 
What I love about his legacy is that he prioritized attention to detail without ever being too strict 
️ His commitment to doing what was right, even if it meant pointing out errors 
I just read about Jim Fleming's passing and it's so sad 
. But let's not focus on the sadness, 'cause he lived an amazing 84 years and left behind a legacy that's still shining bright 
! He was all about accuracy and truth – what more can you ask for? 
. He may be gone, but his impact on journalism and accuracy will live on 
.
It's like he was stuck in this perpetual state of " editing machine" mode - no off switch.
.
his attention to detail was insane and it's crazy how he carried that into even correcting his own wife's grocery lists lol. But for real though, it's awesome that he left behind such an impactful legacy in journalism and the fact that he's being remembered as a true gentleman is just beautiful 
i mean, 34 yrs at sun-times is no joke 
, that's a whole lotta dedication 
. I wish they'd given him some more props for the impact his reporting had on the community 
, especially with that gas explosion story 
, it's not something you can just forget 
rest in peace jim fleming 
. I've always been fascinated by how people get into journalism - did you know my uncle used to be a copy editor for 20 years?! He's like a legend in our family too 
. It's crazy that he was so respected for being truthful and accurate... maybe we can all learn a thing or two from him 
. i love that he wore his strict editing style on his sleeve with that "i'm silently editing your grammar" tee 
.
. your legacy is gonna live on through the people who knew and loved you