Longtime donor and the third president and chair in Foundation history, the late James B. “Jim” McKillip, PT, FAPTA, left $200,000 bequest to support physical therapy research. The gift was specifically designated to support the Magistro Family Foundation Endowment Fund, established by Charles and Noel Magistro.

Jim dedicated his life to the profession of physical therapy. This generous bequest ensures his passion will continue to have an impact on the next generation of investigators and researchers seeking to improve treatment and outcomes for the people we treat every day.

In addition to being an active Foundation Board member for 10 years and holding the leadership position of President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 1990-1993, Jim spent his career championing physical therapy. Under Jim’s leadership advances were made in fee scheduling and provider networks, reflecting his commitment to pairing physical therapist practice with sound accounting principles.

A lifelong member of APTA, Jim was a founder and vice-chairman of what was then known as the APTA Self-Employed Section, later to become the Private Practice Section. He shared his expertise widely through many roles with APTA national and APTA California chapter levels. His legacy continues via the state chapter’s James B. McKillip Leadership Award.

Recognizing his impact on the physical therapy profession and the Foundation’s mission and growth, the Foundation honored Jim by awarding him the Magistro Distinguished Service Award in 1994 and the Spirit of Philanthropy Award in 2010.

A legacy of generosity

Both Jim and his late wife, Ardis, were longstanding supporters of the Foundation. In 2007 they became Legacy Society members with a planned bequest to the Foundation. The bequest expanded the Foundation’s impact through the growth of existing endowments and the development of several new ones, ensuring Jim’s vision for the future of physical therapy endures.

Through this legacy gift, the Magistro Family Foundation Endowment Fund will continue to support emerging researchers and their work. Previously funded projects include a variety of innovative studies like:

• Effect of physical therapy on acute hospital inpatients’ discharge disposition and care cost.
• Primary Care Providers’ Perceptions of Physical Therapists Addressing Opioid Misuse.
• Psychologically-Informed Education intervention for Adolescents with Atraumatic Lower-Extremity Injuries.

If you would like to make a gift to honor Jim’s memory, you may do so on our website. A card will be sent to the McKillip family informing them of your contribution. To learn how you can establish a legacy for the profession, visit Legacyfpt.org or call 800/875-1378.