James V. Werba MD

Long time Orlando physician, James Vincent Werba, Sr., died at home on Tuesday, November 1st. Born June 19, 1934, in New York City, he joined the Air Force after graduation from high school and was stationed at McCoy Air Force Base. While stationed there, he met and later married Orlando native, Helen Gardiner. They were married for 57 years.

Jim or “Vinnie” as he was known to family was predeceased by his son, Jeffery Stephen Werba. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, James, Jr., Jonathan (Meredith) and Jay (Pum) plus five grandchildren, Evan, Ryan, Natalie, Jade and Juliette. Additionally, he is survived by his sister, Kathleen Carolan (William) and a host of nieces and nephews in the New York City area. His brothers, Donald and Charles, Jr., and parents, Evelyn and Charles Werba, Sr,. are deceased.

Raised in Manhattan, he attended at the age of 8 a camp in upstate New York for city youth. He was sponsored by Connecticut residents, Walter and Hattie Jencks, which resulted in a lifelong familial relationship.

Fulfilling a decision made at the age of six to become a doctor, he enrolled in the pre-med program at the University of Florida after completing his stint in the armed service. After graduating, he moved with his family to New Orleans to complete his education at Tulane Medical School. He moved back to Orlando to complete his internship and residency at Orange Memorial Hospital, now Orlando Regional Medical Center, and to establish a private practice.

Shortly after he began practicing, he was appointed co-director of the perinatal intensive care program for at-risk infants. He was instrumental in the development of perinatal programs, traveling the state to meet with legislators and hospital administrators. Through his efforts, neonatal intensive care units were established in five major Florida hospitals, including the Winnie Palmer Hospital. He also provided Boy Scout physicals and volunteered at Shepherd’s Hope Hospital and the VA Hospital.

He was active in the Right to Life movement, traveling to Washington, D.C., participating in the March for Life, One of the highlights for Dr. Werba was singing “The Impossible Dream” on the steps of the United States Capital.

A professionally trained singer, he sang in many local theatres, including the Annie Russell Theatre at Rollins College. Those productions included “1776,” “Fantasticks,” I Do, I Do,” and “Fiddler on the Roof. He also sang at numerous weddings and was a cantor in local Catholic churches. He was also an avid University of Florida fan. Other hobbies included scuba diving, canoeing, sailing, camping, and bicycling with his family.

Services will be held Wednesday, November 9, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church on Apopka-Vineland Road.

Arrangements entrusted to Carey Hand Cox-Parker Funeral Home, Winter Park, FL.

www.carey-handcox.com