20/01/2026
James (Jim / Jimmy) Philps: 25/4/1951 – 13/1/2026
Jim Philps was the son of a Pathologist (Richard) and a Potter (Emmie), so it was no wonder he would pursue a career in health that involved using his hands. He trained at the London Foot Hospital before moving to New Zealand with his Kiwi wife, Jo, where he made and left an enduring mark on podiatry and podiatrists.
In 1980, Jim was appointed as a podiatry course supervisor and tutor at the Central Institute of Technology (CIT), where he taught until 1999. He was known as a patient teacher who passed on his knowledge and his practical skills. His deep commitment to his students is reflected in the many memories they have of him and of the ongoing relationships that he maintained with so many.
Rebecca Matthews (nee Giles), a student from 1984 – 1986, recalls “his genuine care for all his students, empowering us to dream big and encouraging us to build podiatry up to be a vital part of the healthcare team in New Zealand today”. She remembers an occasion when Jim went above and beyond, taking her to the airport when she was sick to make sure that she got home safely. “There is no greater friend than one who can also be your teacher, mentor, guide and confidante, and Jim was all of these to me and many more.”
Jim was also a valued and collaborative colleague, serving as Head of Podiatry School for 14 years, teaching General Podiatric Medicine, Biomechanics, and Orthotics. Jim and fellow tutor Trevor Tillotson shared an office - thankfully, before mandatory smoke alarms - as between lectures, Jim would light up his pipe and Trevor his cigarette. Needless to say, this had to be taken outside after a while!
During this time, Jim supported the school’s move into podiatric surgery, working with colleagues to help establish the foundations of the New Zealand College of Podiatric Surgery.
He was involved in negotiations between the College and CIT to formalise the teaching of the Podiatric Surgery syllabus and was instrumental in securing funding for the on-site surgical suite – at the time, the only school of podiatry outside the United States to have its own dedicated operating facility.
Jim’s academic contributions extended well beyond the classroom. He authored two editions of The Functional Foot Orthosis, a text that not only shaped students’ thinking internationally about orthotic design and fabrication but also later informed and assisted in the development of some of the 3D modelling algorithms used in orthotic design today.
Tim Ganley, another former student, remembers Jim as a superb teacher who encouraged students to think broadly and creatively. Tim’s interest in orthotics was actively supported by Jim, which would later lead to his lifelong career. Tim recalls a research project Jim undertook, investigating ankle injury rates among Army recruits and making recommendations on the standard-issue boot. Research that involved a trip to Waiouru Military Camp, gathering data, a memorable dinner, and, inevitably, a visit to the local pub straight afterwards with his students.
Jim was particularly known for his skills with the manufacture of orthotics and developed the Trithotic; a pre-made three-quarter length orthotic device that adopted the current paradigms on how foot orthoses work to influence foot function.
In the 1990s, Jim transitioned from education into private practice in Lower Hutt, experimenting with VHS recorders and treadmills to perform gait analysis - a relatively novel approach at the time. Jim would make all his patients' orthoses, putting him in a unique position to test what worked (and what didn't). Eventually, he moved into full-time orthotic design and manufacturing for other clinicians around NZ - with some as far away as Saudi Arabia.
Beyond podiatry, Jim had a deep love of fly fishing. Many happy hours were spent on the river with friends. Family was central to Jim, and school summer holidays would often be spent camping with them on the banks of the Rangitikei River in the central North Island, testing out flies he’d tied the night before.
Jim also enjoyed classic cars and wood turning, pursuits that echoed the same care, patience and craftsmanship he brought to his professional life.
He will be remembered with great affection as a husband, father, father-in-law, grandparent, colleague and friend. He leaves a lasting legacy in podiatry, education, orthotic innovation, and in the many lives he shaped through his teaching, generosity, and quiet integrity.
“Not far downstream was a dry channel where the river had run once, and part of the way to come to know a thing is through its death. But years ago, I had known the river when it flowed through this now dry channel, so I could enliven the stony remains with the waters of memory”
- Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It and Other Stories
*This obituary was originally written and published by PodiatryNZ.
