James (Jim) Alan Rhoades
James (Jim) Alan Rhoades, of DeKalb, was born February 10th, 1950 in DeKalb, Illinois. He was the son of Robert and Betty (McKinley) Rhoades. Jim died Sunday, March 30, 2025 at home surrounded by family after a recent diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma.
Jim attended DeKalb schools graduating from DeKalb High School in 1968. He became an Eagle Scout in 1964, and has supported the Boy Scouts ever since. While in high school, he participated in three sports, football, basketball, and baseball. He received the honor of most valuable player in football his senior year. One of Jim’s highlights was being a member of the basketball team that went ‘Down State in ‘68!’, winning fourth place in the State Tournament.
After high school, Jim attended Northern Illinois University on a football scholarship, playing as a Huskie for two years. This started his love of NIU football and he has been a lifelong season ticket holder. To fulfill his love of flying, Jim earned his pilot license. He was recently recognized for serving 43 years on the City of DeKalb Airport Advisory Board. On August 8th, 1971 Jim joined the DeKalb Police Department serving as a patrol officer for 13 years prior to his promotion to Detective. Jim retired on Friday, March 1st, 2002 only to return on Monday, March 4th as a part-time Community Service Officer and Evidence Room Tech. His attention to detail served him well as he continued to process evidence until his recent diagnosis. This credits Jim in his 53rd year of employment, honoring him as the longest serving employee in the history of the DeKalb Police Department. When asking Jim about his time as an officer he simply replied, “I like solving crime.”
On July 22nd, 1972 Jim married his sweetheart, Sharon (Bush) Rhoades, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in DeKalb on a hot and humid day. They later welcomed Kristina and Melissa building a legacy which started as the ‘Fab 4’. Jim and Sharon have celebrated 52 years of marriage, keeping busy through travel, spending time in Florida, enjoying the peacefulness of the cabin, attending every 1968 class reunion, cheering on the Huskies, tasting fabulous meals with their ‘Dinner Club’, spending time with the ‘Empty Nesters’, enjoying time at the condo in Fontana, Wisconsin, and being a supporter first at all of Kristina and Melissa’s activities, and then all of the grandkid’s various games and events.
Jim’s simple pleasures in life were hunting with his hunting buddies, taking care of the family farm in Astoria, IL, Pizza Villa (thin crust sausage and onion), NASCAR, a cocktail, playing Angry Birds, campfires, a mug of ice, his mom’s spaghetti, telling jokes, Boppa’s chair, mowing on the riding lawn mower, morel mushroom hunting, Wheel of Fortune, daily Wordle, and Butterfinger Blizzards, but his greatest joy in life was his family. Jim cherished family time spent at the cabin, yearly summer vacations to Michigan and later Door County, and his most loved ‘Sunday Suppers’ where he got to spend time with his grandkids every week. His loving relationships with each of his grandkids earned him the title “Boppa”. He taught them each the importance of dedication, kindness, and humor.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon, daughters Kristina (Ryan) Walter of Sugar Grove, and Melissa (Zach) Beck of DeKalb. Six grandchildren Andrew, Ethan, and Lauren Walter, and Lily, Gabby, and Maddy Beck. Sister-in-law Anne (Chuck) Quinlan, nephew Tim Quinlan and family, and niece Lisa (Kevin) Brown and family, and his Rhoades Cousins. He leaves behind beloved friends who were like a family to him and his City of DeKalb Police family. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, and his in-laws Dave and Margaret Bush.
The family would like to thank Dr. Dhaval Thakkar, Dr. George Zaverdas, Dr. Edward Telfer, and the many kind nurses who cared for him. One of Jim’s last wishes was to thank those who stopped by, called, sent a text, made food, or prayed for him in his final weeks.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Rhoades Family to establish a scholarship for a DeKalb High School graduate pursuing a career in law enforcement.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 13th from 12:30-3:00pm at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 615 N. First St, DeKalb. Funeral service will begin at 3:00pm. Burial will take place immediately following the service at Fairview Park Cemetery. The family would like to invite family and friends to join them for Sunday Supper celebrating Jim’s life, further details provided at the service.
Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.
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