SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dr. Mittler, Dr. Jim, “Jimmy” passed away on May 30th, 2022. Born in New Jersey, and raised in Ballston Lake, NY, he was the son of the late James and Sandra Mittler.
His sudden passing has left a hole in the hearts of our entire community. His smile was infectious and he had the most beautiful blue Irish eyes. Jim married Pilar, the love of his life, just a few short months ago.
Jim graduated from Shenendehowa High School in 1989, earned a BS in Biochemistry from Syracuse University in 1993, his PhD in Immunology and Infectious Disease from SUNY Albany in 2000, completed his fellowship at the Wadsworth Center in Albany in 2003 , and leveraged that education to work in health care.
Although a scientist, Jim had a compelling interest in how things worked, and he applied that to the human body. This allowed him to achieve his true passion, to make the lives of people better through healthcare & medicine. He was a lifelong student, teacher, mentor, and friend to so many.
Dr. Jim was a pioneer in health economics, and created things that are now standard practice for an entire industry. In 2017 he helped found Peregrine Market Access, a Saratoga based company dedicated to changing the way healthcare is valued in America. As a Partner, and Director of Medical
Strategy, he established an ethos of hard work, work quality, and innovation that has shaped the company. Dr. Jim’s career was centered around the people he worked with, as well as the patients and clients he served. He was an indispensable, trusted partner, and colleague.
If you knew Jimmy, you were fortunate to experience his great spirit and zest for life. He loved travel, adventure, cuisine, wine, and music. He was able to travel the world, but developed such a love for Mexico – the sites, the culture, the people, the food – and it was in Mexico where he found Pilar. Even though he traveled the world, it was his first love, The Adirondacks Mountains, where his heart resided. And, over the last few years spent time at his cottage on the Hudson River in Lake Luzerne. It was important for him to share this with family and friends – boating, wakeboarding, barbequing, and essentially celebrating life.
Jim is survived by his wife Pilar, their children Jimena and Nicholas, his twin brother Todd (Michael and Sophia) of Rochester, brother Stephen (Julia and Max) of Saratoga Springs, and his community of friends – near and far whom he loved so much. There is a “Support for Pilar, Jimena & Nico” GoFundMe, established to support his children’s education. gofund.me/7af8ed0d
While this is infinitely sad for all of us, help us celebrate Jim’s colorful life by wearing your brightest colors this week. If you have a photo of Jimmy, please bring a copy and include your favorite story of him written on the back.
Calling hours were held at William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY on Friday, June 3, 2022.
A celebration of Jimmy’s life with a Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 on Saturday, June 4, 2022.
There funeral service can be viewed on the St. Clement’s Church Facebook page.
Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.
