HAGERSTOWN – James S. Rhoades, 62, passed away peacefully at his Hagerstown home with his wife by his side on January 1, 2019.
He was born January 29, 1956 in Kansas City, Missouri to Steward A. Rhoades and LaVern A. (Schlatter) Rhoades. The family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1960 where he graduated from Lincoln East High School in 1974.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1975 and retired as a Sergeant First Class in 1998 and subsequently worked at the Recycling Center, Inc. until November 2018.
He enjoyed spending time tinkering around in the garage on various projects and most notably many hours on wooden toy tanks he gave to many children over the years. He also spent many hours tending to the yard and was often followed around by his herd of adoring cats.
For many years, he regularly ate lunch at JoAnn’s cafe near his work. He had a thirst for learning and took particular interest in history often reading and watching shows on the Old West and military battles and wars. If you met Jim, he likely bent your ear telling a story or sharing his wisdom for a bit longer than you had, but it was always well worth it in the end.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Yvonne (Johnson) Rhoades, son Patrick (Abbi) Hayes, daughter Nicole Rhoades, grandchildren Beckett and Addison Allen, sisters Karen (Don) Fox and Sandra Nicolai as well as many in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, father, and a daughter Alyssa Rhoades.
Friends, countrymen, and cowpokes may gather at Hartley Hills Golf Club, 201 N. Woodpecker Road, Hagerstown, for a Salute to Life on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 1 p.m., with a service honoring Jim at 2 p.m. Reception to follow until 5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please send a memorial donation to The Veterans House, 2669 Cold Spring Road, Building 42, Indianapolis, IN, 46222; or to the Gary Sinese Foundation, P.O. Box 368, Woodland Hills, CA 91365.
Online condolences may be left at www.culbersonfh.com