James W. Myles, affectionately known as “Jim,” president of Provident Foundation died Oct. 13 at North Shore Hospital after a short-term illness. He was a member in 1987 of the Board of Directors of the Provident Hospital at the time it was closed and later acquired by the Cook County Board of Commissioners.
Myles became the first president and the heart of the Provident Foundation for nearly two decades. Prior to becoming President of the Provident Foundation, He served as Secretary Treasurer for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 73. He also served as Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Northern Illinois University in 1996, and Chair of Academic Affairs Committee, 1996-1997, the first African-American to hold this position. He received the Outstanding Trustee Award, Illinois Committee on Black Concerns in Higher Education in 1994, and the Outstanding Representation Award, Union Stewards of Mt. Sinai Hospital, 1990.
Provident Foundation was second only to Myles’ family that he adored and loved. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Hennie Myles, four children, Keith Myles, Karen Myles, Kim Mathis, and Kriss Myles, mother, Maxine Branham, sisters, Sharon Gamble and Veela Gonzalez, twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Services are pending.
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