John F. Rhodes Jr.

John was affectionately, lovingly, and respectfully known as husband, father, Papa, friend, mentor, colleague, son, brother. On June 24, at 80 and after a long illness, he passed away peacefully in his sleep in the Veteran's Medical Center Hospice and Palliative Care Unit in Reno.
John was born in Savannah, TN. He served in the Air Force from 1948 to 1957. While stationed in El Paso, TX, he met Betty Ann and they married in 1951, celebrating their 59th Anniversary in May 2010. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, they decided to make Reno their new home after having been stationed at Stead AFB. He attended University of Nevada-Reno and graduated with a BS in Accounting in 1959. He was licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in 1961. He began his career with Semenza & Kottinger, and was a Partner from 1964 through their merger with Alexander Grant & Co. (now Grant Thornton LLP) until his retirement. After retirement, he continued his CPA career and consulted extensively for the Nevada State Board of Accountancy. He resigned his CPA license in December 2009. John received many awards and appointments and participated in many community organizations: President at time of chartering of UNR's Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity 1959, NV Society of CPA's Outstanding Accounting Graduate 1959, Wall Street Journal Silver Medal 1958, UNR Presidential Medal 1987, UNR Silver Medal 1990, COBA Alumni Association Charter Member and Outstanding Alumnus 1991, NSCPA Public Service Award 1984, University of Nevada - Reno Foundation as Trustee, Vice Chairman, and Chairman (1983-1986) and Emeritus Trustee, UNR Alumni Association, UNR Dean's Advisory Council College of Business Administration, American Institute of CPAs, Appointed Member by three Nevada Governors to NV State Board of Accountancy including being the President 1981 - 1983, Director National Association of State Board of Accountancy 1980 - 1983, Director Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce and President and Chairman of the Board 1978 -1979, Director, Secretary/Treasurer, and Treasurer of the Reno Rodeo and Livestock Assoc. 1963 - 1976, Member Prospector's Club of Reno, Member Industrial Development Advisory Council to NV State Dept. of Economic Development, Financial Advisor to the Board of EDAWN (Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada) 1982-1989, past Member of WIN (Western Industrial Nevada). John is survived by his wife Betty Ann, daughter Linda of Reno, son David (Marcie) of Denver, grandchildren Chris, Alex (Jessica), & Matt of Reno, and Ryan & Emily of Denver, brother Jerry and sister Virginia (Lewis) of South Carolina, brother Tom of California, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, and by his many friends. He was predeceased by his father John Sr. and mother Marinel, sister Betty Jane, brother Greg, and Betty Ann's parents Floyd and Lavenia.
A private family memorial is planned. In lieu of flowers, please choose to donate to either the Veterans Guest House, 880 Locust Street, Reno, NV 89502 or to Department of Veterans Affairs, V.A. Medical Center, Voluntary Service (05/Vol), 1000 Locust Street, Reno, NV 89502 for The Hospice and Palliative Care Unit in the Community Living Center. Please state In Memory of John F. Rhodes Jr. on the memo line of your check to help direct your donation. Or please donate to the organization of your choice in John's memory. And remember, Love isn't Love until you give it away.