In memoriam: James R. Kaufman, co-founder of Kaufman Rossin
When James R. Kaufman approached his friend Jay Rossin about starting their own accounting firm, his premise was simple: “Let’s create a place where we want to go to work every day.” As he wrote on the occasion of the firm’s 60th anniversary, “There was no way we could have anticipated the journey we were beginning.”
A charismatic leader with an entrepreneurial spirit, Jim envisioned an outstanding professional service business where people would have a path to grow and develop their lives, while benefiting their clients and the community. Today Kaufman Rossin has grown to more than 700 employees and is now the top independent CPA and advisory firm in Florida and one of the top 100 firms in the country.
Raised in Miami, Jim graduated from the University of Florida in 1957, where his membership in Pi Lam created lifelong friendships. His interests were wide and varied. Skiing, hiking and scuba diving offered regular adventures, and an annual Caribbean boat trip with family and friends gave him a chance to fish, dive and explore. A lover of the performing arts, he supported drama, ballet and opera, including New Theatre, Miami City Ballet, Florida Grand Opera and the Adrienne Arsht Center through his attendance, philanthropy and leadership. A voracious reader, Jim always had a book to recommend and share. A champion of individual rights and liberties, he consistently supported the ACLU.
“This is a time of great loss for all who were fortunate enough to know Jim, work with him, and be inspired by his vision, leadership, and the way he lived his life,” said Blain Heckaman, CEO of Kaufman Rossin. “His charisma was unmatched, and he built lasting relationships with colleagues, clients and so many others in the community.”
Jim Kaufman died on May 19, 2024, at his home in Coconut Grove. Jim’s loved ones included his spouse Eric Robert Markt, the mother of his children Mary Kaufman Carner (deceased), children Katherine Kaufman Plessett and John Kaufman, brother William Kaufman, his grandson Julian Kaufman Plessett, his nephews and great nephews and great nieces, and countless loving colleagues and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday May 28th at 9:30 a.m. at Temple Beth Am in Pinecrest, Florida.
