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665 South Main Street
Rocky Mount, Virginia
John ECHTERNACH Obituary
He graduated from West Chester University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education. Following this, he attended the University of Pennsylvania and received a Certificate in Physical Therapy.
Dr. Echternach was commissioned as an officer in the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) where he served for the next 24 years. During this time he served in many positions; staff therapist, chief of a hospital department and subsequently, officer in charge of Physical and Occupational Therapy Activities in the Division of Hospitals and Clinics of the United States Public Health Service.
During this time Dr. Echternach completed the requirements for a Master of Science degree in Anatomy at the University of Maryland and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education /Administration at the College of William and Mary.
Dr. Echternach retired from the USPHS with the rank of Captain and following his career in the USPHS, Dr. Echternach founded the Physical Therapy Program at Old Dominion University which graduated its first class in 1981. Dr. Echternach served as Director of Physical Therapy Program until 1992 and continued to serve as a faculty member in a variety of positions including Chair of the School of Community Health Professions and Physical Therapy.
While at Old Dominion University, Dr. Echternach, a certified specialist in clinical electrophysiology (ECS), maintained a limited specialty practice in Clinical Electrophysiology and also completed his transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree at MGH Institute of Health Professions. Dr. Echternach is currently a Professor and Eminent Scholar Emeritus at Old Dominion University and an Adjunct Professor at Nova Southeastern University in their Physical Therapy PhD Program.
Dr. Echternach has published several papers on a variety of topics as well as authoring several textbook chapters. He has served as editor of two physical therapy texts and has authored two texts related to physical therapy practice.
Dr. Echternach has received recognition for his contributions to the profession as a recipient of the Golden Pen Award, Lucy Blair Service Award and being named a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the APTA (FAPTA). In May 2013, Dr. Echternach received the first lifetime achievement award given by the VPTA.
Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Jeanne; daughter, Catherine Lyn with Danny Butts; sister and brother-in-law, Lyn and Phil Werner; nephew, Bret Werner; daughter-in-law, Deborah; and grandchildren, Jeffrey and Jaimie.
Memorial services will be conducted at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2013, from Boones Mill Christian Church with the Rev. Jim Compton officiating. Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium. His family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service & Cremation Center, Rocky Mount, Va., 540-483-3835.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John ECHTERNACH
Robert L. Lamb
July 7, 2024
I still think of Jack often.
Louis Greenwald
July 7, 2021
Jack was special. one of the giants of physical therapy education. great guy and great friend. praying for you and yours.
Nancy King
July 7, 2020
You are greatly missed!
Robert Lamb
July 7, 2019
A dear friend that I miss.
Jeffrey Fultz
August 1, 2013
I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Echternach. Dr. E. gave me the opportunity to come to Old Dominion. I will be forever grateful to him for that, as well as the direction he provided in my professional life. He was one of those rare individuals that really challenged you in order to bring out the best in you. My condolences to the Echternach family.
Abed Morad
July 21, 2013
I was very sad to hear about passing of Dr Echternach. I have known him from Nova Southeastern University. I was one of his students in many of his classes. He was a mentor and bright professor. I was hoping that he will be my consultant for my dissertation. My condolences to his family.
Abed Morad
University of Minnesota- Program in Physical Therapy
July 18, 2013
Indeed, a pillar within the physical therapy profession.
Barbara Sanders
July 16, 2013
We will truly miss Jack - he was one of mentors and sages. What a difficult year for your family. Know that there are a world of physical therapists thinking of you!
Cyndi Zadai
July 16, 2013
Jack will be missed by many...his charming and dry sense of humor, his challenging questions and his interesting answers to prickly professional issues were highly valued. My condolences to his family and his wide circle of friends...
Joan M Walker
July 16, 2013
Sad news, Jack was a good friend and colleague; he will be missed
July 15, 2013
Mrs. Echternach, you have experienced great loss in a short year, please accept my condolences. I was a childhood friend of son John, a great scout, a recall husband Jack presenting to our Larchmont class at the navy hospital on Hampton Blvd. We had fun chasing mercury droplets. God bless, Vance Hull, Norfolk
Jerry Danoff
July 15, 2013
Will miss you Jack. Your impact will continue.
Jim Gordon
July 15, 2013
Jack was a valued friend and mentor to me and to many others in the physical therapy community. We will miss him greatly. But his accomplishments live on in the advances to our field that resulted directly and indirectly from his research, writing, and teaching.
Richard Bohannon
July 15, 2013
Jack's contributions to our profession are second to none. He's left a real void. We've lost a great role-model.
Reed Humphrey
July 15, 2013
Jack was just one of those folks you wanted to be around - always refreshing conversation coupled with an uncanny wit. I'll miss him. My sincerest condolences to the family.
July 15, 2013
I am saddened to hear about Jack's passing. He was a wonderful colleague and friend who always had interesting things to say. He was the ultimate professional physical therapist. My regrets to his family.
Scott Ward
July 15, 2013
I am sorry to hear of Jack's passing. He was a friend, a valued colleague, and a mentor. I will miss talking to him and seeing him.
Jan Gwyer
July 15, 2013
Jack was a wonderfully generous mentor to his younger professional colleagues. I won't soon forget the delightful twinkle in his eye when he proposed a new and provocative idea! With a deep appreciation for all you contributed, Jack.
July 15, 2013
Very saddened to learn of Dr. E's passing. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Gale Lavinder
Kathy Rae Bennett-Dollins
July 15, 2013
Dr. E-the foundation from whom all of ODU's PT graduates continued the challenges within the profession. Our mentor shall be greatly missed!! Blessings to the family!
Darcy Higgins
July 15, 2013
Dr. E. was an inspiration to his students and his faculty. He was an amazing and compassionate professor and leader for the profession of physical therapy. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Echternach and O.D.U. families.
Judith Rash
July 14, 2013
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Jack and John's lives were lived for service, comfort and healing. Even though they have left us, what they have done will continue to heal many others for years to come. My love is with you. May God bless and comfort you all.
Bob Knight
July 14, 2013
My memories of Jack as a classmate at U of Penn. are stirred today mingled with regrets at the loss of a man who contributed so much during his distinguished life.
July 14, 2013
God Bless the Echternach family. At 12:00 PDT, I will be praying with all of you in Boones Mill as you remember Jacks wonder life and his contributions of love and service. My love and support always. Nancy King
July 13, 2013
Sorry to hear of your loss. I worked for him many years ago and will always remember his dedication to his patients and staff. He will be fondly remembered. Suzanne DeVane Ruff
July 13, 2013
Jack was a friend and a great guy!!! always the consummate professional
Nova Dissertation Defense October 2012
Anne O'Donnell
July 13, 2013
Jack touched the lives of many in the physical therapy profession. He was truly one of the most dedicated mentors I've known.
Recent PhD graduate-Nova Southeastern University
Beth Jones
July 13, 2013
Jack was my mentor for my MS at Old Dominion. He was an understanding, supportive and brilliant man. He took this little Navy wife with 4 kids under the age of 5 and helped her immensely to succeed and complete her advanced masters in the 18 months she was in Norfolk. He created classes, let me complete my thesis from afar and just had such a "can do" attitude. I will forever me thankful to him for starting me on my academic career. Rest in peace Jack --- you will be missed but never forgotten.
Carol Davis
July 13, 2013
A cherished colleague. We served together on many adventures in physical therapy. I will miss his wisdom and his wit.
Roger Nelson
July 13, 2013
A mentor, a visionary , a dedicated researcher , a dedicated teacher and great friend. I will miss you my friend
Bob Lamb
July 13, 2013
A best friend has passed, but his memory will not.
Sherry Beckner
July 13, 2013
So sorry to hear of your loss. I am sure Jack and John are planning something wonderful together again. My thoughts and prayers for your family through this most difficult time.
Ken Cigala
July 13, 2013
May the love of friends and family sustain you through your grief.
Dr. E was a shining light to me as I made my way through the Nova PhD program. I am so sorry for your loss.
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