Jordan Herman “Jordie” Trafimow, of Elmhurst, passed away peacefully at home. Jordie was born in Chicago, to Florence and Jack Trafimow. He grew up in the Rogers Park neighborhood and attended Nicholas Senn High School, graduating at age 16 after skipping two grades.
He then attended the University of Illinois at its Navy Pier campus, followed by U of I Medical School. True to his grade-skipping habits, he completed college in five semesters and earned his M.D. at the remarkable age of 22. He then completed an internship at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, NY, and pursued a one-year fellowship in mathematical biology—he was a brilliant mathematician—at the University of Chicago. During this period, he also found time to make what he always called “the best decision of my life,” marrying University of Chicago student Alice Lewis, originally of Cleveland, OH, in 1959.
Shortly after, Jordie joined the U.S. Army, and he and Alice moved to Fort Campbell, KY, where he served as a Captain in the Medical Corps and joined the 101st Airborne as a paratrooper—the proudest personal accomplishment of his life. Jordie and Alice’s son David was born at Fort Campbell in 1962.
The family then moved to Cleveland, where Jordie became a Resident in orthopedics. Their son Jonathon was born there in 1964. In 1966, Jordie accepted a position as an orthopedic surgeon with Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles, CA, where their daughter Janet was born the same year. But Jordie and Alice missed the Midwest, so in 1969, they moved to Elmhurst, bought a house, and settled down. Jordie became an orthopedic surgeon at Elmhurst Clinic, a position he held until his retirement, and many happy years followed.
Jordie and Alice joined Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard, a recently-founded Reform Jewish temple, where they found a welcoming community and many kindred souls (quite a few Etz Chaim members were researchers at Fermilab and Argonne National Laboratories). Jordie’s practice thrived, and he became a widely respected doctor who was deeply beloved by his patients. David, Jon, and Jan moved through the Elmhurst school system, attended college and graduate school, built successful careers, and married to Sabine (David), Elsa (Jon), and Uli (Jan).
The first grandchild, Jessica, arrived in 1994, followed by Rachel (both Jon and Elsa’s daughters) and Hannah and Leah (Jan and Uli’s daughters). During this time, Jordie also taught orthopedic surgery at Loyola Hospital, continued his mathematical research, and honed his skills as a chess player.
After retiring from Elmhurst Clinic, Jordie pursued research in mathematical biology at various institutions, including Rush Medical School and University of Illinois Medical School, focusing on mathematical modeling of spinal movements. He published several academic papers and forged research partnerships around the globe.
In retirement, Jordie and Alice traveled the world, stayed actively involved with life at Etz Chaim, and enjoyed the company of their children, grandchildren, and a wide circle of friends.
Jordie is survived by his wife, Alice, his children, David, Jon, and Jan, and his grandchildren, Jessica, Rachel, Hannah, and Leah.
Funeral Services were held Sunday, November 10 at Congregation Etz Chaim of Dupage County, 1710 S. Highland Ave. Lombard, IL. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. Family and friends that will not attend can watch the services live or any time after on Jordie’s webpage at www.NTFunerals.com.
In lieu of flowers remembrances to Congregation Etz Chaim of Dupage County Lifelong Learning Fund Program would be appreciated.
Arrangement by Ner Tamid Funerals, 847-504-7336.
