James Rhodes

1963 - 2024

James Elton Rhodes, the eighth of nine children, was born on April 29,1963, to Woodie Leander Rhodes, Sr. and Annetta Hubbard Rhodes in Kirbyville, Texas. He passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood, California.

James grew up in Magnolia Springs, Texas, and attended Springhill Baptist Church. After his mother’s passing in 1978, he and his youngest brother, Ulysses (Mook), moved to Lynwood, California, with their sister, Barbara Rhodes. James joined the Second Benevolent Baptist Church and became an active member of the Youth Department. He sang in the youth choir, served as an usher, participated in all youth activities, and assisted whenever needed.

After high school, James enlisted in the United States Army in 1983. He underwent basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, from March until the end of May 1983. He then attended Advanced Individual Training in Aberdeen, Maryland until August 1983. During his military career, James traveled and lived in several places, including Frankfurt, Germany, Fort Hood, Texas, Seoul, Korea, and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was deployed to Saudi Arabia for Desert Shield and Desert Storm from September 1990 until April 1991. James received several awards, badges, and ribbons during his military career, including, the M-16 Rifle (Sharpshooter) and Marksman (Hand Grenade). His rank was Specialist 4, and James was honorably discharged on April 22, 1992.

James loved fishing and would go as often as he could. Even when he returned home for reunions or visits, one of his favorite activities was fishing. And fishing is what he did! On holidays, James loved to barbecue and listen to music with friends. He was passionate about sports, particularly the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Lakers. As a devoted Lakers fan, James attended games as often as possible, enjoying every moment of the action. James also cherished his family and enjoyed spending time with them whenever possible. He had a particular fondness for ice cream – Blue Bell Tin Roof. If you wanted some, you had better get it before he did, or you would miss out.

On June 18, 2022, James became the first African American man to raise the Juneteenth flag outside the Lynwood City Hall for the Lynwood Juneteenth Celebration. marking a proud and historic moment for the community. His legacy of joy, passion, and community involvement will always be remembered.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Woodie and Annetta Rhodes; two brothers, Woodie Jr. and Willie Edward; three sisters, Teresia Mason, Electra Rhodes, and Ruth Ballou.

His wonderful life will forever be remembered by his family: his siblings, Barbara Rhodes of Lynwood, CA (whom he affectionately called Mom), Allen (Gracie) Rhodes, Sr. and Dortha Samuel of Jasper, TX, Kenneth Rhodes Sr. of Magnolia Springs, TX, Rosemary (Philip) Burkes of Round Rock, TX, Renna Martin of Magnolia Springs, TX, Roy (Joyce) Rhodes Sr. of Houston, TX, and Ulysses (Pamela) Rhodes of San Antonio, TX; the love of his life, Rabai Parrott and her three children, Erika Whitehead, Dominic Clay, and Delvin Dennis of Paramount, CA; goddaughter, Mamie Payne of Los Angeles, CA; a sister-in-law, Lorraine Rhodes of Mechanicsburg, PA; plus many