Obituary of Dr. J. Kevin Kaufman

Dr. (James) Kevin Kaufman, 60, of Fort Worth, Texas passed away on March 2, 2025.  He was born on October 5, 1964 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Richard and Norma Kaufman.  In addition to his father Richard Milton Kaufman, he was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Gregory Kaufman.

Kevin graduated from Ben Davis High School with High Honors and went on to earn his degree in Chemical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.  After working in Chicago, Kevin notified his family that he had always wanted to pursue a career in medicine and would be enrolling in graduate course work to gain the necessary prerequisites.  He was admitted to West Virginia School of Medicine where he served two years as Medical School class president and obtained his M.D. in 1994.  From there he did his residency at Indiana University where he went on to become a Board-Certified Neurosurgeon.  

He began his practice in Fort Worth TX and was published in multiple Medical Journals as well as being engaged as speaker at international neurosurgery conferences for his excellence in surgical techniques.  He also patented several neurosurgical instruments.  Most importantly, Kevin was beloved and cherished by all his patients for his caring and empathic bedside manner, many of whom continued to schedule appointments with him long after treatment was required simply to be in his presence. 

Besides his excellent medical career, Kevin possessed a joie de vivre.   He was supremely intelligent and equally funny – the “class clown with straight As”.  Kevin had an inimitable sense of style, proudly wearing only the finest custom tailored Italian suits and dresswear, even as his everyday wear.   His intelligence extended to his creativity and love of music, making him a talented life-long drummer.  His high-school and college band, Off the Tracks, went on to release a full-length album.  Kevin wanted everyone to share in his joy and would regularly meet strangers only to call up family members and friends and put them on the phone to show us what they were up to, speak Italian, or discuss the latest positive news.

Kevin is survived by his children, Adam, Aviana and Ivan Kaufman, his mother Norma Kaufman, his brother, Brian (Kristen) Kaufman, sister Karen (Chris) Bailey and niece, Francesca Kaufman and nephew, Henry Bailey.

Family and Friends may call on Wednesday, March19, 2025 from 5pm-8pm at Stevens Mortuary 5520 W. 10^th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46224.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at St. Christopher Catholic Church 5301 W. 16^th Street Indianapolis, IN 46224.  Kevin will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Cemetery in Indianapolis, IN at 9001 Haverstick Road, Indianapolis, IN immediately following Mass. 

A Celebration of Life will also be held on April 15, 2025, from 3:00-5:00 pm in the Oak Room at Christ Chapel, 3701 Birchman Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76107