Jim Allen Rodgers, M.D.
Obituary
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.
Events
Tributes & Memories
My uncle Jim meant a lot to me my name is grace I love you so much and I miss him so very
Grace myers
Dr.Rodgers operated on me when he worked in Muskogee,Oklahoma at Muskogee Regional Medical Center,he was a great doctor then and ten years later he operated on my father n law and was still a great doctor. I was looking to see if he was still in Tulsa and am so sorry I came across his Obituary. He was someone to admire and was a great surgeon,the people I worked with at MRMC still say he was the best and hated to see him leave. My condolences to his family and friends and may he fly high with the Angels.In my prayers Sharon Harris,Muskogee,Ok
Sharon Harris
Dr Rodgers was a fantastic doctor. He would be the only one I would trust to do any kind of surgery on me. He is greatly missed and loved by all who knew him
DeAnna Edwards
Tulsa lost a true LEGEND. My heart stopped when I called his office to schedule an appointment to only find out of his passing. He did my back surgery back in 2017 and the treatment he gave was impeccable. I truly hope he was surrounded with love and the BEST of care a person could have. You were truly the BEST around Doc Roc.
Andrea Cook
I was a surgical patient of Dr. Rodgers, and he made a hugely positive impact on my life. I’ve seen over a dozen surgeons in the last 15 years. Not only, was he immensely talented, probably the most talented in his field in all of Tulsa, he was also the kindest and most caring surgeon I have ever spoken with. He really treated his patients with a level of empathy that most surgeons don’t possess. He did an amazing job on my neck surgery, and when it came to my lower back, his training allowed him to see and treat depression I was carrying from years of chronic pain. He saved my quality of life. I am so blessed to have had him as a surgeon. My heart goes out to the family.
Sally Krueger
Knowing Jim as an upperclassman (yet only one month older than I) and Sigma Chi pledge father to my pledge brother, Ray Baumgarten, he seemed to come over to the house daily and share his affability. He certainly wasn’t above playfully “ribbing” Daisy, our lovable, delicious producing chef. It was much fun to watch their exchanges. In Sigma Chi we say: All Honor To His Name. My condolences to his family. A great guy!!
Chris Mahley