John L. Echternach, Sr.

John (Jack) Echternach, Sr. age 81 of Boones Mill died Thursday, July 11, 2013. 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; grandchildren, Jeffrey and Jaimie. Memorial services will be conducted from Boones Mill Christian Church 3 p.m. Sunday with 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.