James Rhodes

RHODES, Bro. James Edward - Age 83, passed away Monday, May 19, 2008 at Hurley Medical Center. Family hour 10AM Friday, May 23, 2008 at Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3502 Lapeer Rd., with funeral service commencing at 11AM, Pastor Marvin A. Jennings, Sr., officiating. Interment New Calvary Catholic Cemetery, G-4142 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10AM Friday. Mr. Rhodes will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 12Noon-6:30PM with family present from 5-6:30PM Thursday. Bro. James Edward Rhodes, Sr. was born May 28, 1924 in Pulaski, Tennessee, the son of Francis Ezell Rhodes and Orine (Buford) Rhodes. On December 9, 1945, he was honorably discharged from the United States Navy. His childhood sweetheart became his wife on May 25, 1946. To this union, they were blessed with 5 children, Doris Jean Viverette, James Edward (Lynnette) Rhodes, Jr., Ronald Raymond Rhodes, James Jr., and Dennis. Bro. Rhodes was a member of UAW # 659 and was employed for 30 years at Chevrolet Manufacturing downtown. He worked additionally as a carpenter, plumber and heating cooling expert. In 1942 ½ he graduated from Central Colored High School in Louisville, KY as valedictorian of his class. He attended Flint Junior College for a brief time until his father passed and he assumed responsibility for his mother. Bro. Rhodes moved his mother, married brother & wife, his baby sister, and his wife's baby sister into the Red Mansion on the Seventh Street hill across from the old Quinn Chapel AME Church. On December 30, 1990, he became a member of Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church, where he served in the Senior Choir, Three Score and More Ministry. He also served communion and worked on the Men's ministry. Bro. James Edward Rhodes, Sr. leaves to cherish his memory: 2 sisters, Bernice (David) Lott, Orine Elizabeth (James) Peoples; sister-in-law, Lydia (Odell) Miles; 5 grandchildren, Billy Gene (Felicia) Viverette, Jr., Janiece Viverette, Lynnaya Rhodes, James Edward Rhodes, III and Ricky Garrison; 4 great-grandchildren, Keyona Viverette, Billy Gene Viverette, III, AJ Francois and Dorien Rhodes; aunt, Cornelius Atkins of Nashville, TN; a host of nieces, nephews and friends including special friends, Sue Downs and Kelley Smith. Bro. James Rhodes, Sr. was preceded in death by his wife, Dora; his parents, Francis Ezell and Orine Buford; 2 sons, James Jr. and Dennis; grandson, Lyle Edward Rhodes and 3 brothers, John Donald, Buford and Charles.

James Rhodes

May 28, 1924 - May 19, 2008