Obituaries

James Robert Rhodes

Photo of James Robert Rhodes
Mr. James "Rosie" Robert Rhodes, of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, born on September 22, 1920 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to the late Leila Sinclair Rhodes and the late Ira Clinton Rhodes, passed away at age 97 on March 11, 2018 at Trinity Village Medical Center. Robert grew up working on his family's farm, Rhodes Dairy. He graduated from Watson Chapel High School in 1939 and earned a certificate from the Modern School of Business in 1940. He took a job at Newberry's that Fall where he met and would later marry Ms. Helen McKinzie. From 1943 to 1945, Robert served in the Army in World War II. He completed basic training at Camp Claiborn in Alexandria, Louisiana and sailed to Glasgow, Scotland in February 1944. He was stationed in Huntington and Hampton, England, then landed on the beach at Normandy that June. He toured through Lemans, Paris and Reims France before moving onto Leige, Belgium and finally Aachen, Germany. After earning five Bronze Stars, Robert returned home in November 1945 on the 820th ship in convoy, zig zagging all the way to the US to avoid the subs below. Robert regained his position and worked as a Sr. Electric Meter Man employed by Arkansas Power & Light until after 44 years he retired in 1985. Robert was the beloved husband of the late Helen McKinzie Rhodes. He is survived by his sons, Wayne Morris Rhodes (Joyce Rhodes) and James Larry Rhodes (Joanne Craig Rhodes); grandchildren, Clayton Rhodes, Shannon Rhodes, Ashley Rhodes Coward, and Katie Ryburn; nine great-grandchildren; and his sister, Alma Ruth McKinley. He was proud to serve his country and his favorite conversations included his recollection of World War II, his travels and the love he had for his family. He was a past member and Chairman of the Deacons at Immanuel Baptist Church. He was currently a member at Watson Chapel Baptist Church. He was past president of Watson Chapel Lion's Club, and was involved at American Legion Post 32. Mr. Rhodes was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Helen McKinzie Rhodes, grandson, Craig Strickland, three brothers, Ira C. Rhodes, Jr., Harry Dean and Carlton Rhodes and a sister, Mildred Shelton. The family will receive friends 1-2 p.m., March 14, 2018 in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson and Son. Funeral services will be 2 p.m., March 14, 2018, with Reverends Todd Howard and Steve Monk officiating. Burial will follow in Bellwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials be sent to Watson Chapel Baptist Church, 5514 Pinnacle Lane, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.

Published March 13, 2018

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