John R. Waters

WATERS, John R., Ph.D., of Tampa, passed away March 14, 2008. Originally from England, he graduated from Keble College at Oxford University. He received his doctorate in physics at Cornell University in 1957. As a research associate at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Princeton University, he did research in neutron physics. He held 12 patents and 55 peer-reviewed scientific publications. As a physicist, he directed research in X-ray astronomy and solar neutron physics projects for the Apollo space missions. He is best known for developing BACTEC®, the automated blood culture system which transformed the way medical labs test blood cultures. He also developed other applications for it, including TB testing, and data storage and analysis software. He relocated from Towson, Md., to Carrollwood in 1987. He was an avid reader, and enjoyed travel, gardening, walking and his beloved huskies. His favorite philanthropic activities were the Community Concern for Animals, Big Cat Rescue and The Humane Society of Tampa Bay. He was predeceased by his first wife, Mary Waters (1999). John is survived by his two daughters, Joan Waters and Sandy Wax, two grandchildren Ben and Elizabeth Wax, his wife, Vickie McDonald, and daughter, Emily McDonald, who all will miss him greatly. A service to celebrate his life will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 5, at St. Mark' s Episcopal Church, 13312 Cain Road, Tampa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to, Community Concern for Animals, 7701 Gardener Road, Tampa, FL 33625, The Humane Society of Tampa Bay and The Salvation Army