James Barry Johnson

B.S., M.S., Diplomate F.A.A.M.A., James Barry Age 69, passed away on July 16, 2011, with his family by his side, at Hospice of the Valley Inpatient Facility in Surprise, AZ, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on August 11, 1941 in Winter Haven, Florida to his parents James Garwood Johnson and Elizabeth Ashley. He attended grade and high school there, then joined the Army National Guard after graduating. Mr. Johnson held a Bachelor of Systems Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL; Master of Systems Engineering (Healthcare), University of South Florida, Tampa, FL and had advanced study in multi-site healthcare system, University of California, Berkley, CA. He also held numerous honors, offices and memberships in national professional organizations. A medical industry leader, Barry had over 36 years of success in all facets of healthcare administration. For Fourteen years, he was the President and C.E.O. of Baptist Hospitals and Health Systems, responsible for 4,000 employees and 2,000 physicians working in 21 different companies. The total system consisted of 40 hospitals, extended care facilities and freestanding out-reach clinics. These facilities were located in several different states. Mr. Johnson was the Originator, Founder and President of several Eating Disorder Centers, Ambulatory Facilities, home health companies, and a medical staffing company. He was also the Founder of a current national medical discount benefit company with contracts of 450,000 providers and Operations Director of several PPO's and he co-founded the national healthcare magazine, "Vim and Vigor." Mr. Johnson had extensive experience in development of out-patient centers including developing and operating a successful consulting company for Eating Disorders-Residential Treatment Center (RTC-ED) and opened five (5) RTC-EDs in four (4) states. One successful company is in Arizona which has four (4) treatment centers and with more than 141 beds. He had more than 36 years experience in managing home health agencies, nursing homes, hospitals and surgery centers. He was active in the American Academy of Medical Administration (AAMA). Mr. Johnson was a past Chairman of the Board of the AAMA and a Distinguished Fellow and Diplomate in healthcare administration. He was the recipient of the AAMA Outstanding Service Award and a lifetime member of the AAMA Research and Educational Foundation. He was also a member in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). He is survived by his wife, Maria Luz (Glendale, AZ); two sons, James B. Johnson, II, and Christopher David Johnson (wife, Elizabeth); grandsons, Jacob and Brannon Johnson, all residing in Winter Haven, FL; stepdaughter, Anna Marie Yambao (Peoria, AZ); cousin Janet Davis and family (Winter Haven, FL); nephews and nieces and in-laws. Memorial services will be held at 6:00 PM, Tuesday, July 26 at West Resthaven Funeral Home, 6450 W. Northern Ave., Glendale. Condolences may be offered at www.westresthavenfuneralhome.com Refreshments will be served right after the services. Donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley.