Obituary of Jim Rodgers, M.D.

Dr. James Allen Rodgers was born to Deania and Calvin Rodgers of Tulsa, Oklahoma September 1, 1951. He passed from this life on May 17, 2023 at the age of 71.

He completed his medical school prerequisites at the University of Tulsa in 1972, where he was a part of the Delta Omega Chapter of Sigma Chi.  He graduated with honors from the University of Oklahoma Medical School in 1976 before becoming a renowned neurosurgery specialist in eastern Oklahoma. Later in life, Dr. Rodgers received the Significant Sig Award in 2022.
After completing his internship and residency in neurosurgery in 1981, he opened a solo practice in Muskogee, Oklahoma, returning to Tulsa in 1989.  In his solo practice, he focused on cervical and lumbar spine problems.  One of the founders of Tulsa Spine and Specialty Hospital, Dr. Rodgers had nearly 50 years of diverse experience in neurosurgery, touching many lives with his admirable surgical skill, caring personality, and love for rock & roll in the surgical gallery, where he gained his vastly known nickname “Doc Roc.”
He is known by all as a great surgeon, a good father, a loving husband, and a man whose indelible legacy includes revitalizing the legendary Cain's Ballroom and founding one of Oklahoma's most successful physician-owned hospitals.
Dr. Rodgers leaves behind his wife, Patsy; two sons, Chad and Hunter Rodgers and their mother, Alice; daughter-in-law Alison Rodgers; two granddaughters, Maryn and Marlee; sister, Paula Patterson; step-daughters Amanda and Taylor; and step-grandchildren Dawsen, Sawyer, and Rowan.
His family and friends will remember him for his radiant personality, contagious smile, and kind heart.
We invite his friends, colleagues, and patients to join his family as we celebrate his life. Nothing brought Dr. Rodgers more joy than treating the people in this community. His family will take great comfort in connecting with those he served in a place he held so dear.  The Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at Cain’s Ballroom on June 8th at 6pm.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Tulsa Boys Home, Sigma Chi Delta Omega Chapter or Boy Scouts of America.