FW: In memory of good friend

FW: In memory of good friend

Michael Burton

2/26/2012

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.
 
Today, if you hear a bell ring, know that it is because Jim has been
promoted to Angel First Class.
 
Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 29 from 5:00pm until 9:00pm at the
N.H. Scott & Hanekamp Funeral Home in Waukegan, Illinois. Funeral services
will be Thursday, March 1 at 10:30 am at the funeral home with interment to
follow at the Sunset Memorial Lawns Cemetery in Northbrook, Illinois. The
address of the funeral home is:
 
 
N.H. Scott & Hanekamp Funeral Home
 
1240 Waukegan Road
 
Glenview, Illinois 60025
 
847-998-1020
 
The family has asked that memorials be directed to the Roosevelt Warm
Springs Institute. This was a cause very special to Jim, and where he
worked very early during his long and distinguished career. Checks should
be made payable to Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute and sent to Janis
Russ. She will then send the checks collectively to Warm Springs so that
the funds can be directed to a project that was important to Jim.
Donations, along with any sympathy cards or messages, should be sent to the
following address:
 
 
Janis Russ
 
c/o N.H. Scott & Hanekamp Funeral Home
 
1240 Waukegan Road
Glenview, Illinois 60025
 
Michael Burton
<Email Address Redacted>
319-235-4311