In Memoriam: James G. Newberry Jr.

James “Jim” G. Newberry Jr., BOCP, BOCO, BOCPD, died on June 27, 2016. He was 67 years old.

In an interview with O&P News, Newberry's daughter, Toni, said he continued to work after being diagnosed with glioblastoma.

“Even while he had brain cancer, he was still doing what we loved to do," she said. “He did a lot for the community. He volunteered for a whole bunch of children’s clinics. He did a lot with the Haiti earthquake with people who had lost limbs. He was always giving back to people."

According to a board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) press release, Newberry began his career as an orthotist/prosthetist while serving in the U.S. Air Force after graduating from New York University. He then joined Mahnke’s Orthotics and Prosthetics in Oakland Park, Fla. He worked there for more than 40 years as an owner, practitioner and director of orthotics and prosthetics. According to the Mahnke’s Orthotics and Prosthetics website, Newberry had a passion for pediatrics, including scoliosis orthoses, prostheses and cranial remolding helmets, and had established four pediatric orthopedic clinics.

"He especially loved helping kids," his daughter said.

He also provided orthoses for area athletes, including members of the Miami Dolphins National Football League team.

[Jim Newberry is shown at right with his wife of 45 years, Lynnene. Source: Zacharias C.]

Jim Newberry is shown at right with his wife of 45 years, Lynnene.

Source: Zacharias C.

Newberry had been certified by the BOC since 1984 and had been recently recognized as having 30 years of BOC certification. According to the release, he served in numerous leadership roles at the organization, including chair of the board of directors, interim executive director, facility accreditation site surveyor, video practical exam reviewer and test development volunteer for the organization’s exams for orthotists, prosthetists and pedorthists.

“Jim was an advocate of BOC since it was founded, and his contributions to the orthotics and prosthetics profession are immeasurable,” L. Bradley Watson, BOCO, BOCP, LPO, chair of BOC’s board of directors, said in the release. “I had the privilege of learning from him and serving with him on the board of directors and am grateful to have known him.”

Claudia Zacharias, MBA, CAE, president and chief executive officer of BOC, added, “Jim was a dear friend and colleague. He will be missed by everyone at BOC and in the O&P community he so passionately supported.”

Newberry taught courses on therapeutic diabetic shoes, negative casting, anatomy and gait analysis at many schools throughout the country and gave presentations at events hosted by the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association, the Florida Association of Orthotists and Prosthetists, the Pedorthic Footcare Association and Medtrade. He was also a member of the O&P News 175, which recognizes innovators in the field of O&P.

Newberry enjoyed boating, fishing, scuba diving and snow skiing. He also volunteered as a youth counselor for his local church.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lynnene; his three daughters, Toni, Jodi and Paige; two sons-in-law; and three grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to fund brain cancer research.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, July 23, 2:00 pm Christ Church United Methodist, 4845 NE 25 Avenue, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33309 (Corner of Commercial Blvd and Federal Highway/US 1) Celebration Gathering: Saturday, July 23, 4-7 pm Sample-McDougald House 450 NE 10 Street Pompano Beach 33061 Bright, Joyful Colors Welcome
Phone:(954) 771-7300

Professional arrangements by:
Gary Panoch Funeral Home
6140 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33487
561-997-8580
www.gpanochfunerals.com