John Rhodes

1934 - 2025

John Rathbone Rhodes passed away peacefully on December 4, 2025, just two weeks shy of his 91st birthday. During the last days of his life, he was surrounded by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family, remaining stoic, strong, and characteristically witty until the end.
John was born on December 19, 1934, in Bradford, Yorkshire, United Kingdom, to John Kenneth and May Rhodes. He was their only child. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty years, Elspeth Patience Rhodes, and by his grandson, Jack Duncan Rhodes.
He is survived by his five children: daughter Helen (Thomas) of Clear Lake Shores, son Duncan (Kelly) of Kingwood, son Douglas-John of Austin, daughter Alison (Michael) of Austin, and son Graham (Linda) of Houston; ten grandchildren-Elizabeth, Emily (Wesley), Erin, Samuel, Nicholas, Abigail, Madeline, Katherine, Marin and Rebecca; and two great-grandsons, John and Cal.
As a young boy, John excelled in science, cricket, and other pursuits that showcased both his intellectual curiosity and competitiveness. He attended Bristol Grammar School and earned a full academic scholarship to Trinity College, Cambridge University. Before beginning his collegiate studies, John served two years in the Royal Corps of Signals of the British Army in North Africa, an experience that shaped both his discipline and his world outlook.
After graduating from Cambridge with a degree in Physics, John accepted his first position at the Harwell Institute of Technology in Oxford. There he met the love of his life, Elspeth Patience Duncan. They were married in Liverpool on September 16, 1961, and made their home in Wallingford.
In July 1966, John, Elspeth, and their three young children emigrated to Austin, Texas, following what John affectionately described as an "offer he couldn't refuse"-a role as Senior Research Scientist at Texas Nuclear Corporation. One year later, twins arrived, and the family grew to seven. All five children went on to attend the University of Texas.
John's career as a research scientist in nuclear physics took him around the world-to Europe, Asia, South America and Africa. His most notable projects focused on the development of portable analyzers using non-destructive testing via x-ray fluorescence to measure the concentration of elements in metals and other structures. John's work led to the granting of numerous patents in the United Kingdom and United States.
At home, while helping Elspeth raise their lively household, John enjoyed building model airplanes and elaborate train sets, establishing and coaching in the YMCA soccer program, taking family trips to the Texas coast, supporting his children through countless hours of Math and Physics homework, and proudly walking his daughters down the aisle.
When grandchildren arrived, John delighted in helping Elspeth with "Grandma's Summer Camp," where he taught them everything from how to make personalized paver stones with concrete and play chess to how things worked in the natural world around them.
Following retirement, travel remained a cherished part of John's life with Elspeth-first on extensive road trips through the United States and Canada, and later, cruises to the Caribbean, United Kingdom, Norway, Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, and South America.
After Elspeth passed away in 2021, John continued tending to her patio garden and found joy in birdwatching and admiring the brilliant sunsets from the deck of their apartment. He was a life-long reader and could hold a conversation about any subject. John remained deeply connected to his Austin family and welcomed frequent visits from family in Houston.
He was most proud of his children's and grandchildren's academic achievements which included earning degrees from the University of Texas, Texas Tech University School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, University of Georgia, University of Arkansas and Louisiana State University.
John's passing has left a hole in the hearts of so many. The impact on the lives he touched will be forever cherished.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the CyberKnife team at Dell Medical School, the staff at Seton Ascension, Sage Park, and Hospice Austin for their kindness and dedication.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John's name may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network)), the Jack Duncan Rhodes Foundation, or Hospice Austin.
Cremation will take place at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78752. A private family gathering will be held at a future date. Remembrances may be shared at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/austin-tx/john-rhodes-12657264.