James Rothfeld
Post a Message of Sympathy | View Messages of Sympathy | Printer Friendly
James Jay Rothfeld
May 3, 1948 – March 4, 2026
James “Jimmy” Rothfeld, 77, of Syracuse, passed away on March 4, 2026.
Born on May 3, 1948, Jimmy spent his entire life in Syracuse, a community he loved and where he became a familiar face to many. As the second-generation owner and operator of Harrison Bakery, he proudly continued the family business, which has been handed down to the third Rothfeld generation.
Jimmy was a devoted father who believed the best way to love his kids was to be there. He spent countless hours coaching youth sports: girls softball, baseball, and Pop Warner football and rarely missed a chance to be on a field, a sideline, or in the stands. He instilled the passion of sport and sportsmanship.
He was also a lifelong, and often long-suffering, fan of the Cleveland Browns and the Atlanta Braves, standing by “his” teams through every heartbreaking loss and rare triumph with unwavering loyalty.
Jimmy had a gift for humor and was known for his quick wit and constant playful barbs. If he teased you, it meant you were one of his people.
“Blackjack Jimmy,” as he was called, had a deep love for Las Vegas, a place he returned to often and insisted was “better than Maine.”
Jimmy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna Rothfeld, and his parents, Arthur and Eve Rothfeld.
He is survived by his children, Suzanne Steven (John), Michelle Rothfeld, and Michael Rothfeld (Melissa); his sister, Karen Freel (David); his cherished grandchildren, Arthur, Sophia, Madison, and Jacqueline; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Jimmy will be remembered for his humor, his loyalty to the people and teams he loved, and the many memories he created with family, friends, and customers throughout his life.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts in Jimmy’s memory be made to the CNY SPCA
Funeral services will be at 11:00AM on Monday at Sisskind Funeral Chapel. Friends may visit with the family immediately prior to the service on Monday from 10:00 - 11:00 at The Funeral Chapel, 3175 E. Genesee Street, Syracuse. Burial will be in the Temple Concord section 63 of Woodlawn Cemetery.
www.sisskindfuneralservice.com
Message of Sympathy
Post a Message of Sympathy
Jimmy was a friend from kindergarten all the way through school. Please accept my sincere condolences and may you all be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Written by Georganne Burke
2026-03-06 3:40:31 PM
I will always have joyful thoughts of Jimmy, as every time I was in his company I felt his love, and joy for his family and friends and heard his need for the 'purple martini' that Suzy would make him. When we are weary and in need of strength; We remember them. When we are lost and sick at heart; We remember them. When we have decisions that are difficult to make; We remember them. When we have joy we crave to share; We remember them. When we have achievements that are based on theirs; We remember them. For as long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as, We remember them. All our love, The DeKloe Family
Written by Tomiko DeKloe
2026-03-07 1:16:32 AM
Post a Message of Sympathy
Jimmy was a friend from kindergarten all the way through school. Please accept my sincere condolences and may you all be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Written by Georganne Burke
2026-03-06 3:40:31 PM
I will always have joyful thoughts of Jimmy, as every time I was in his company I felt his love, and joy for his family and friends and heard his need for the 'purple martini' that Suzy would make him. When we are weary and in need of strength; We remember them. When we are lost and sick at heart; We remember them. When we have decisions that are difficult to make; We remember them. When we have joy we crave to share; We remember them. When we have achievements that are based on theirs; We remember them. For as long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as, We remember them. All our love, The DeKloe Family
Written by Tomiko DeKloe
2026-03-07 1:16:32 AM