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John Culbertson Obituary
AGE: 62 •
John "Jack" Harrison Culbertson Junior, beloved father, husband, brother, son, and friend departed this earth on Monday, December 2, 2013 at 7:10 pm at the age of 62. Jack is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Broaddus Culbertson, and his children, Kirby Steele Culbertson (25), John "Jake" Harrison Culbertson III (22), and Katharine Louise Culbertson (19); his mother, Grace Culbertson; and his sisters, Marian Burke, and Katharine Prentice.
Jack was born on July 23, 1951, in Morristown, New Jersey to Mr. and Mrs. John H. Culbertson Sr. Jack attended The Peck Elementary School, and The Lawrenceville School in Princeton, NJ, class of 1970. Growing up, Jack attended the Camp Timanous in Raymond, Maine, which shaped his lifelong passion for the outdoors. Jack graduated from The University of California, Berkeley, in 1974. He attended Emory University Medical School, graduating in 1978. Jack continued at Emory for his internship in general surgery from 1978-79, residency in general surgery at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI from 1981-81, and residency in plastic surgery at Emory from 1982-84. He joined Emory as a faculty member in 1986.
In addition to his exceptional work with patients at Emory, he held a strong belief in the importance of education and training for the next generation of plastic and reconstructive surgeons. He put that belief into action as Director of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery services at Grady Memorial Hospital, mentoring hundreds of plastic and reconstructive surgery residents during his 27 years at Emory. He also served as Associate Professor of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chief in the Department of Plastic Surgery at Grady Memorial Hospital and Emory University Hospital Midtown, and Section Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. For many years, Dr. Culbertson annually travelled with his students to Shiprock Northern Navajo Medical Center in New Mexico, and received the Navajo Area Indian Health Service Area Director's Award for Outstanding Health Care Provider in 1997. Jack was a teacher in all respects of life, sharing his knowledge and passion for the world with his friends and family. Jack was a curious and energetic man, demonstrated through his passions for flying, skiing, fly-fishing, ice hockey, carpentry, and mountaineering. He frequently spent time in the outdoors and logged hundreds of hours flying to Maine and Telluride. His sense of adventure was contagious to those closest to him, cultivating a wonder of the world and a desire to see and learn from all experiences.
A celebration of the life of Jack Culbertson will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at 3 o'clock at Peachtree Presbyterian, 3434 Roswell Road NW, Atlanta, Georgia, 30305. The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Doctors Without Borders or Island Heritage Trust, P.O. Box 42, Deer Isle, ME 04627. Online condolences may be made at www.hmpattersonspringhill.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Culbertson
Carol Perez
November 29, 2021
Through the years since Dr. Culbertson's passing there hasn't been one day that has gone by that I have not had fond memories of him. He was a loving and dedicated husband, father and doctor. He was an amazing man and is remembered by many. It was a pleasure and a gift to have known him and learn from him.
Dave Engert
December 7, 2014
I miss you my friend. It's been a year and seems a liftime, but your kindness, warmth and wonderment, and the great times we had and your laugh that always made everyone smile will live on in our hearts and memories forever. You touched us all and made us better and I am proud to have been your friend.
Otis Jones
November 27, 2014
Mopsy: I was saddened to find out about Jack's passing a couple of weeks ago while doing research on Galley Hook and Mr. Broaddus. I hope that you and the kids are doing well. I reached out to you via facebook to try and connect as well. My mother (Marvis) wants to talk to you. She can be reached at 804 837-6858. My number is 804-677-6063.
Henry Wen
March 4, 2014
I'm so sorry to learn that Jack had passed last year. I happened upon it while researching the Kirby Arts Center and recalled that Jack was the benefactor's grandson. Jack taught me to shoot skeet at Lawrenceville. He was a warm inquisitive and wonderful young man back then and apparently an accomplished and well loved being throughout his life. Sincere condolences to his family. Jack was a mensch!
Elaine Mitchell
February 1, 2014
I just received a letter from Emory Clinic dated 1/22/14 informing my son, Christopher Dameron, and me of Dr. Culbertson's death. My son had a TBI in 2006 with extensive cranial and facial damage and was not expected to live 24 hours. After my son's discharge from Grady, Dr. Culbertson supervised his team of Emory doctors practicing at Grady Hospital to perform miraculous work on my son who originally was not expected to live 24 hours. A year later, we were in his office, listening to further plans to reconstruct my son's face and head. We were looking forward to the 3rd surgery performed by him which would bring my son closer to having a more normal face and head. RIP Dr. Culbertson for you were the best and you have trained many to carry on your work.
Price Curtis
December 29, 2013
Dr. Jack was a truly invaluable friend and will be greatly missed. I've had the privilege of spending a lot of time with the Culbertson family over the years and looked up to Jack as I would my own father. His passion for life was contagious as well as his humility and consideration for others. May his legacy forever live on in the hearts and lives of all those who knew him.
kim howard
December 19, 2013
so very sorry . I think of him as a little boy with his hockey sticks and skates walking up the road home from Silver Lake after hours of skating
Jeff Howard
December 8, 2013
There was no pretense, no selfishness, no gloom, no judgmental-ness in Jack Culbertson. Great father, great doctor, great teacher, great friend. He was truly unique in his generosity of spirit. Radiant
Milan,Bibby,Amelia&Avery Kirby
December 7, 2013
Elizabeth,Kirby,Jake&Kate,
Our lives are much richer for Jack having been part of them. He was a gift to all of us, and we were truely blessed.
Love,
adriana delmont epstein
December 6, 2013
My love, thoughts and prayers are with the Culbertson family.
Brad & Leslie Rice
December 6, 2013
We are so sorry to hear about Dr. Jack's passing. Moose Island will not be the same.
December 5, 2013
Dr. Culbertson performed lip reconstruction surgery on my 8 year old son from a pitbull attack in 1999. Years later in 2011, riding in an elevator at a medical office, we noticed his name on his medical coat. Not only was it great to have the opportunity to thank him again (as my son never required another procedure), but my husband and I so enjoyed watching him check out his own work! Just wanted to share with the family what a dedicated service he provided to so many. God Bless!
Edward Farrar
December 5, 2013
We shared our lives as medical students at Emory, and I count that as one of the blessings of that time. Jack was truly one-of -a-kind, and will be missed by many in this world.
Cindy Farrar
December 5, 2013
I hold fond memories of Jack and the fun times we had during those medical school years at Emory in Atlanta. My sympathies to you Elizabeth and your children.
Kind regards... Cindy Farrar
Shelly Ahmann
December 5, 2013
Having known Jack from his many trips Shiprock, New Mexico to work with the Navajo, I will always remember his enthusiasm for life, his humor, his generosity and his desire to teach and to learn. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed by many.
Donald Shayne Gray
December 5, 2013
Dr Culbertson played the central role, in a very traumatic part of my like, and was working very hard to make me feel normal again. #RIPDoc
December 5, 2013
Jack will be remembered as a talented doctor ,dad and friend. He lived his life doing the right thing and challenging himself and those around him . He was a pleasure to work with and was a teacher and friend Jack always had a funny story to share with us at Emory. I will miss you but have great memories that I can reflect upon. We will all leave this place and you left to soon. God's speed. Janet Newman RNA Decatur GA
Ilene Stewart
December 5, 2013
Heaven received a beautiful Angel way too soon. Dr. Culbertson performed reconstruction surgery on me and he was always able to make me smile when I came to his office. My thoughts and prayers to his beloved Family, Friends , may his beautiful memory live on in your hearts forever. Mike and Ilene Stewart and Family (Warner Robins, GA)
Carol Perez
December 5, 2013
A man loved by many for his Selflessness and Loving Spirit. May he Rest in Peace in Heaven
Carol Perez
December 5, 2013
It is with great sadness that we have to say goodbye to Dr. Culbertson. He was an intelligent, loving, and kind man who touched many people everywhere he went. He was and is loved my many and he will be remembered, not just a Great Surgeon but a Wonderful Man and Humanitarian. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this very difficult time.
May he Rest in Peace with the Angels.
Natalie Pierce
December 5, 2013
With all my love to The Culbertson family. You are in my heart and prayers every day!
Love Natalie Pierce
Culby watching over me when I was sick
Natalie Pierce
December 4, 2013
Culby, You were my yin to my yang. You cared about me and loved me as one of your own children. So many times (unable to count) we had talks on the couch in your office or in my office, on the phone, sushi for my birthday every year, you came to the hospital on a holiday to help treat me with my doctor because you cared so much. You meant and still mean the world to me. You cared so much about me that words can not express how much it means to me especially now. Taking pictures of you skating with the Sharks was so much fun. You made my smile so big when you came to my 40th birthday party this year. Truly that was my Birthday surprise. To Elizabeth and the kids, I miss you and know my arms are wrapped around you right now.
Love always,
Natalie Pierce
Sue Martin
December 4, 2013
I will remember and celebrate Dr. Culbertson's life just as he loved and enjoyed it. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through these difficult times.
Marianne Daughety
December 4, 2013
My heart goes out to the family of Dr Culbertson. This wonderful man built a whole new nose for me and repaired my damaged face that was ravaged by skin cancer with 4 surgeries over 12 weeks time seven years ago. I will be forever grateful for his skill and kindness during that time. May you find great comfort in the legacy he leaves and may the God of all comfort give you peace in this sad time.
Peter Bippart
December 4, 2013
Farewell to my lifelong friend.You left us too soon.
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