James "Jim" Urbach

March 28, 1940 – June 7, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce that James “Jim” Urbach passed on June 7, 2024 at age 84. Born in Newark, New Jersey to Dr. George and Evelyne Urbach, he and his younger sister, Bonnie, grew up in Newark and South Orange, New Jersey. He graduated from Columbia High School in 1957. Having sustained a severe broken wrist, he decided to pursue a career in orthopedic surgery. He was a proud 1961 graduate of Williams College, where he swam the backstroke-Go Purple Cows! He graduated from Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1965. After two years at Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, he completed his orthopedic residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He went on to serve his country as a major in the US army for two years in Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he acted as Chief of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at US Leister army hospital and earned an Army Commendation Medal. He then moved to Florida to practice his medical specialty, Orthopedic Surgery.

He met his beloved wife, Kathy, at Florida Hospital Altamonte. They spent over 43 wonderful years together and shared many common interests including playing tennis, traveling, photography, and watching Orlando Magic, Washington Redskins and New York Yankees games. He cherished his “Babe” for her unwavering support and love over the years.

He had three children, David, Marc, and Deborah. He had three grandchildren, Cade, Max, and Rachel. He loved encouraging and supporting his children and grandchildren in all endeavors, but especially in their educational and athletic pursuits. He was a very proud father and Grandpa. He also had many special furry feline kids over the years that brought him much amusement and joy. He will be sorely missed as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

He was a well-respected Orthopedic surgeon in the greater Orlando area. The practice was mostly out of Florida Hospital Altamonte where he loved teaching in his operating room. He was in private practice for 27 years, retiring in 1999 to his other passion.

In the early 1980’s he had become enamored with scenic and travel photography. After retiring from medicine, his interest grew to include Nature and Wildlife Photography. His travels included 11 trips to Alaska, five safaris to Africa, and trips to England, France, Greece, Norway, Denmark, Japan, India, Nepal, Antarctica, Iceland, the Caribbean, Central America, as well as numerous trips throughout the United States.

His photography was published in various calendars and magazines. His work was also displayed in a unique USO exhibit at Orlando International Airport. His favorite honor was the “Nature’s Best Photography 2008” Award within the Camera Club category. This exhibit hung in The Smithsonian. He treasured the comradery of his fellow photographers and was honored to shoot with what he considered some of the best. He always enjoyed teaching his skills to others.

Within the local community, he was a proud longtime member of both the Seminole county South Rotary Club and the Orlando Camera Club.

If moved to make a donation in his honor, the family asks that you consider the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.