James Rhodes, Jr

James H. Rhodes, Jr.

Age 76 of Wilmington, passed away Saturday August 4, 2007 at his home surrounded by his family.

Born October 31, 1930 in Ramsey, Illinois, James was a son of the late James H., Sr. and Mary J. Green-Rhodes. He was a veteran who was honorably discharged from the US Army, having served during the Korean Conflict. James worked as a communications foreman with UniRoyal until his retirement. He was a member of the Malcomb J. Mayo Post VFW in Wilmington and served as past governor of the Wilmington Loyal Order of Moose Lodge, where he was influential in the creation of the new lodge on West River Road in Wilmington. James greatly enjoyed billiards, building homes, bowling and the Chicago White Sox.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years Velma Mae (nee McCaslin). Five children: Darlene (Lester) Geiss, Rita Nelson and Barbara (Harvey) Plante all of Wilmington, Jim Rhodes of Braidwood and Billy Joe Rhodes also of Wilmington. Six grandchildren: Sandi, Shauna, Markus, Kristin, Travis and Kara and four great grandchildren: Rylan, Kylie, Tommy and Logan. One brother Arthur (Evelyn) Rhodes of Kankakee and three sisters: Fern Howell, Opal Wilson and Rose (Paul) Countryman, all of Wilmington.

James was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers: Virgil, John, Joe and one brother in infancy.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday August 07, 2007 between the hours of 4:00PM and 7:00PM and Wednesday August 8th from 9:00AM until time of funeral service 10:00AM at Reeves Funeral Home, 219 North Joliet Street (two blocks North of Illinois Route 53 / Baltimore Street) in Wilmington. Angie Carr will officiate the services and burial with full military honors will follow in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in James memory to the Wilmington Loyal Order of Moose Lodge, 32050 West River Road, Wilmington, Illinois 60481.

Friends may sign the online guestbook by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements are being made under the direction of Reeves Funeral Home in Wilmington.