Chicago Sun-Times Copy Editor and Family Man Jim Fleming Passes Away at 84
Jim Fleming, the former copy editor who kept his colleagues on their toes with his eagle eye for detail, has left an indelible mark on the Chicago Sun-Times. The soft-spoken introvert may have seemed unassuming, but his dedication to accuracy and truth earned him a reputation as a steady force on the editorial board.
Fleming's approach to editing was not about pointing out grammatical errors or nitpicking words – although he did enjoy subtly correcting even the most mundane mistakes, like misspelled "carrot" on a grocery list. For Fleming, it was about protecting his colleagues and readers from sloppy reporting. His mantra? "I'm silently editing your grammar," emblazoned on a T-shirt that became a nod to his enduring legacy.
As a weekend warrior, Fleming worked through the quiet hours of the night, giving his younger colleagues a much-needed break during the busy daily grind. This selflessness only added to his hero status among his peers, who praised him for his unwavering integrity and ability to call out stories that didn't meet the paper's standards.
Fleming's impact went beyond the newsroom; he was deeply rooted in the city he loved. As a reporter in Richmond, Indiana, he covered a devastating gas explosion that claimed 41 lives in 1968 – an event that still brought him to tears years later. His connection to the community and commitment to accuracy made him a sought-after voice on public officials' titles and key dates.
Those who knew Fleming described him as a true gentleman, always approaching reporters and editors with tact and courtesy. There was no ego or condescension in his approach – only a genuine desire to serve the reader and uphold the highest standards of journalism.
At 84, Fleming's passing leaves behind a legacy of dedication, integrity, and a love for the city he served for decades. As he once mused about leaving the Sun-Times building, now demolished, "It's dilapidated and old," but so am I – a testament to his humility and commitment to the craft that defined him.
Jim Fleming, the former copy editor who kept his colleagues on their toes with his eagle eye for detail, has left an indelible mark on the Chicago Sun-Times. The soft-spoken introvert may have seemed unassuming, but his dedication to accuracy and truth earned him a reputation as a steady force on the editorial board.
Fleming's approach to editing was not about pointing out grammatical errors or nitpicking words – although he did enjoy subtly correcting even the most mundane mistakes, like misspelled "carrot" on a grocery list. For Fleming, it was about protecting his colleagues and readers from sloppy reporting. His mantra? "I'm silently editing your grammar," emblazoned on a T-shirt that became a nod to his enduring legacy.
As a weekend warrior, Fleming worked through the quiet hours of the night, giving his younger colleagues a much-needed break during the busy daily grind. This selflessness only added to his hero status among his peers, who praised him for his unwavering integrity and ability to call out stories that didn't meet the paper's standards.
Fleming's impact went beyond the newsroom; he was deeply rooted in the city he loved. As a reporter in Richmond, Indiana, he covered a devastating gas explosion that claimed 41 lives in 1968 – an event that still brought him to tears years later. His connection to the community and commitment to accuracy made him a sought-after voice on public officials' titles and key dates.
Those who knew Fleming described him as a true gentleman, always approaching reporters and editors with tact and courtesy. There was no ego or condescension in his approach – only a genuine desire to serve the reader and uphold the highest standards of journalism.
At 84, Fleming's passing leaves behind a legacy of dedication, integrity, and a love for the city he served for decades. As he once mused about leaving the Sun-Times building, now demolished, "It's dilapidated and old," but so am I – a testament to his humility and commitment to the craft that defined him.
, loved how he wasn't all about being super strict with grammar but actually cared about accuracy & truth. always working behind the scenes for the greater good 
, i gotta respect that. hope his legacy lives on at the chicago sun-times 
He was an amazing person... always keeping us on our toes with his eagle eye for detail 
. I mean, who else could make you double-check your grammar and spelling? 
But seriously, it's sad to see someone like him go. His dedication to accuracy and truth is something we can all learn from. He wasn't about being the "hero" or getting all the recognition, he just wanted to do his job right and protect his colleagues and readers. That's what makes him a true legend in the journalism world 
.
those guys at the Chicago Sun-Times are really gonna miss him - i mean he wasnt just some grumpy old editor, hes a true legend in the journalism world 
his approach to editing was so refreshing, all about accuracy and truth, not about being a buzzkill 
. But for real tho, this dude was a journalist's journalist 
journalism. I mean, his attention to detail was unreal 
. I'm sure it drove him crazy, but he just wanted the truth out there and accurate info for everyone to see 
. As someone who loves tech, I gotta give props to his old-school dedication 
. No social media presence back in his day, but that didn't stop him from making a mark on the world 
. What's your favorite memory of Jim Fleming?
. It's so sad he left us at 84, feels like we lost a bit of journalism soul 
. Remembering all the times those "carrot" errors 
... what a legend! I'm not surprised he left such an indelible mark on the Chicago Sun-Times, he was all about accuracy and integrity - you can't fake that kinda stuff 
. What's even more amazing is how he went from being an eagle-eyed copy editor to becoming a respected voice in the community... what a career! 
he kept all those journalists in line with his eagle eye for detail. i mean, who needs ego when you're just trying to do your job right, right? 
and yeah, he might've been a soft-spoken introvert, but that just made him more cool, you know? 
he was like the ultimate behind-the-scenes hero.
anyway, what i think is really sad about his passing is how under the radar he kept it – not a lot of people knew about his heroic work covering that gas explosion in richmond indiana back in '68 
for real though, his legacy lives on thru all the folks he mentored and protected over the years... & i gotta love the way he did it - all quiet confidence and a whole lotta heart 
, but his impact will keep inspiring new generations of journalists and editors