Dr. Jeff Rothman

Hendersonville, TN

Age 63 of Hendersonville, TN passed away on Friday, December 18, 2015. Jeff was born in Denver, CO on June 16, 1952; however, he grew up in Miami, FL.

During the course of his academic career he studied at Sylvania Heights Elementary School, West Miami Junior High School, Miami Coral Park Senior High School (where he was a letterman in track and field), Miami-Dade Junior College (where he earned his Associate of Arts Degree), Florida State University (where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology), and The Southern College of Optometry (where he became a Doctor of Optometry). Dr. Rothman went on to practice optometry for 30 years with LensCrafters.

Though his academic training was extensive he had an insatiable appetite for reading, and especially relished titles in the science fiction genre. He was also a collector; his collections include guns, rifles, die-cast model cars, coins, and other various novelties. Additionally, Jeff had a great love of the outdoors.

In fact, he was an avid scuba diver, enjoyed camping, and was a Harley Davidson motorcycle enthusiast. He also enjoyed traveling, and visited such destinations as Italy, Mexico, Honduras, Bermuda, and the Galapagos Islands. Carpentry was also a skill with which he was gifted, and he even built a staircase onto the deck of his own home. Jeff enjoyed unwinding to the sounds of classic rock 'n roll, jazz, and blues. As a young man he attended several concerts including The Doors and Led Zeppelin to name a few. He will be remembered for his tremendous legacy as a good friend, who was steadfast in his generosity, loyal, brilliant, and honest to a fault. Jeff will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Max and Rebecca Rothman, Bernard and Rose Gurewitz; parents, Bernhard and Lillian Rothman; sister, Barbara Shelley Rothman; cousins, Dr. Bruce Heiken, and Dr. Gary Heiken.

Dr. Rothman is survived by his brother, Richard Ian Rothman; step-mother, Ann Rothman; aunt and uncle, Rosalind (Dr. Murray) Heiken; step-son, Brent Robert (Erica Zunkel) Stephens; step-daughter, Amanda (Preston) Shaffer; and ex-wife and treasured friend, Melissa Stephens.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Dr. Rothman's honor to The Heiken Fund c/o Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, 601 SW 8th Avenue, Miami, FL 33130. Please make checks payable to The Heiken Fund.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m.-10 a.m. on Saturday, December 26, 2015. A Life Celebration will follow visitation at 10 a.m. All services will be held in the chapel of the funeral home. HENDERSONVILLE FUNERAL HOME, 353 E. Main Street, Hendersonville, TN 37075 (615) 824-3855 hendersonvillefh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tennessean from Dec. 24 to Dec. 25, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeff Rothman

7 Entries

Richard Workman,OD

September 2, 2016

I practiced with Dr. Rothman at the Rivergate Lenscrafters in the early 90s right out of Optometry School.He was the first Lenscrafters Doctor in the State of Tennessee and many young Docs who went on to have successful Optometry careers got their start with Jeff.Enjoyed working with him and we remained friends over the years.Thanks for your help and influence on my career.Unique man who will be missed.

Dr. John Kauffman

May 6, 2016

A group of us from the Southern college of Optometry lived at an apartment complex we called the "Banana". It was a very affordable, disturbing looking yellow color where about a dozen of of us survived our freshman year in Memphis. We all studied together and tortured each other as ocular guinea pigs , also celebrating holidays and our successes & challenges . May the Peace of God be with Jeff & his family. Dr.John Kauffman

Ruth Hayslett

May 5, 2016

Only moments ago, I was informed of Dr. Rothman's passing. He was my optometrist for years in the Rivergate area. My last appointment with him was May 2015. He was always pleasant and professional with a warm smile. He is greatly missed. My prayer is that God will comfort & be with his family, friends, & loved ones as they hold onto precious memories.

Richard King

February 24, 2016

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Rothman. His professionalism, calm demeanor, and warmth was a true gift that I trusted and admired as his patient for over 30 years, from my very first visit to our last meeting. Thank you, Jeff.... I know I'll see you again, my friend....

Melissa Stephens (formerly Rothman)

January 18, 2016

I always loved you unconditionally Jeff..... A month has passed now....may you Rest in Peace now Jeff....any worries or concerns are gone now.... You would not believe the outpouring of your patients...you would have a proud and cute smile on your face if you were here. Until we meet again...forever love

Vita Dennis Garner

December 26, 2015

My condolences to the Rothman family. I had the pleasure of working for Jeff back in 1984-1987. He was a really nice boss.

KC and Kat Arntson

December 24, 2015

We were so sorry to hear of Jeff passing. He will truly be missed.
Our hearts go out to his family.

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