I am passing along this information along as the request of Janis Russ. The
orthotic & prosthetic community has lost a true friend. Jim Russ passed
away on Saturday, leaving behind his wife and best friend Janis, three
daughters, other family members, friends, and a long list of students who
will never forget him. Jim was a “Warrior for Professionalism” for
orthotics and prosthetics and never lost his passion for promoting O&P as a
profession, lifting us up beyond the standards that would be required for an
industry.
Jim spent a quarter of a century as the Director of Orthotics at
Northwestern University and no student who ever sat through one of his
lectures will ever forget what he taught them about orthotics, and life. He
challenged everyone to be their best. Jim offered encouragement when he
felt it was needed, and a kick in the seat of your pants when such was
warranted. No student of Jim’s has ever heard someone refer to an orthosis
as a brace without remembering his constant preaching about the difference.
It has also been my pleasure to be claimed by Jim and Janis as their son for
more than 20 years, with me fondly referring to them as Mom and Dad.
Visitation and funeral arrangements will be posted here as soon as they are
available. Today, if you hear a bell ring, know that it is because Jim has
been promoted to “Angel First Class”.
Michael Burton
[email protected]
319-235-4311
