Jonathan Abrams

1939 New York, New York - 2017 Albuquerque, New Mexico

BiographyJonathan Abrams, MD, born in New York City on February 15, 1939, transitioned from his life on earth on July 18, 2014. He is survived by his daughters, Wendy Paige Abrams, her husband Scott Fliegel and granddaughter Emma Bronte Fliegel; Melissa Ambrose, her wife Pamela Ambrose; partner Nancy Whalen; long-time friend, Jan Afton; and former wife, Fay Abrams. Jon touched many, many lives as a friend, cardiologist, tennis player, supporter of the arts, skier and traveler. Jonathan graduated from Beverly Hills High School in 1956; the University of California, Berkeley, (BA 1960), where he was a member of and president of Zeta Beta Tau and elected to Phi Beta Kappa; the University of California Medical School in San Francisco, (MD 1964). At UCSF he was the recipient of the Roche Award and elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, honor society. Dr Abrams completed his internship and 1st year of residency (1964 to 1966) on the Harvard service of Boston City Hospital; he then did one year of medical residency/cardiology at the West Roxbury Veterans Administration Hospital. From 1967 to 1968, Jonathan was a cardiology fellow and mentored by W Proctor Harvey at Georgetown University Medical School in Washington DC. In 1968, Dr Abrams came as an Army Captain to Albuquerque to serve as the cardiologist at the Sandia Base (now Kirtland East) hospital. He completed his armed forces service as a Major in mid 1970. Having chosen to stay in New Mexico, Jonathan began his long association with the VA Hospital and then BCMC (now UNM Hospital). A highly regarded cardiologist, Dr, Abrams traveled the world to speak at medical conferences. He was known for his compassionate concern for patients and their families. Dr Abrams retired in October, 2008, from UNM Medical center, where he served as a cardiologist and chief of cardiology 1976 to 1991. Jon's passion for art and artists greatly benefited the arts in Albuquerque and New Mexico. Jonathan, with his then-wife Fay Abrams, developed a large art collection with work primarily by New Mexico artists. He started the sculpture garden at the Museum of Albuquerque and the collection at UNM Hospital. He and Ms. Abrams donated many pieces of art to UNM, the Albuquerque Museum, the Art Museum of New Mexico in Santa Fe, and the Capitol Art Collection. In 2000, Jonathan received the Governor's Arts Award. He was able to meld his love of cardiology with his love of art when he convinced artist Jim Dine to provide a heart drawing for the cover of Dr. Abrams' cardiology textbook. His legendary sense of humor delighted friends, family and colleagues. Jonathan Abrams - community builder, champion of art and artists, loving, supportive and loyal friend beyond compare; a truly amazing man who deeply impacted the lives of his friends, patients, colleagues and the many diverse communities he gathered around him. His passion, loyalty and love of life will be missed by many. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. You may contact Melissa Ambrose at melissambrose@gmail.com for details. Donations may be made in honor of Jonathan Abrams to one of the places he loved: the Outpost Performance Center, Tamarind Institute, or the Jonathan Abrams, MD, Gallery at UNM Hospital. (Cremation by Direct Funeral Services, 505-343-8008) not to be included
Published in Santa Fe New Mexican on July 27, 2014

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