James W. Rhodes

Master Sergeant James W. Rhodes "Jim", (Ret.) 84, of Junction City, passed away after a lengthy illness on Thursday, August 20, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family. Cremation will take place. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 25th from 6pm to 8pm at the Penwell-Gabel Johnson Funeral Chapel, 203 N. Washington St., Junction City, KS. A memorial service will be Wednesday, August 26th at 10 am at the First Presbyterian Church, 113 W. 5th St., Junction City, KS. Burial with full military honors will follow the memorial service at Fort Riley Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Friends of Animals and/or the GCH Home Care & Hospice in c/o Penwell-Gabel Johnson Funeral Chapel, 203 N. Washington St., Junction City, KS 66441.

Jim was born May 8, 1931 in Piney, Arkansas to Earl and Lona (Dickard) Rhodes. He married Virginia Reynolds, May 31, 1952 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. She preceded him in death on November 5, 1984. Jim found love again where he later met Maria. They married on June 1, 1985 at Fort Riley. She survives of the home along with their four legged "son", Dallas. Jim fondly referred to Dallas as his "little buddy", a constant companion at home and when they traveled.

Jim served in the United States Army for twenty four years. He received the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), Purple Heart (1 OLC), Good Conduct Medal (1st-6th awds), World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal (1 OLC), the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm and the Track Vehicle Driver Badge. He retired in 1978 at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. Jim spent two tours in Vietnam, one as a crew chief on a helicopter in a Calvary squadron and one on the DMZ as a tank commander and platoon sergeant. He served in occupied Germany in an MP company and at one time drove both General Eisenhower and Patton. He returned to Junction City and worked civil service at Fort Riley until his retirement.

He was a member of the Eagles, American Legion and several camping clubs. Jim and Maria spent many wonderful years traveling and spending time with their family. They shared a passion for RVing and enjoyed the last several winters at their snowbird home in Weslaco, Texas, where they had many special friends. Family was so important to Jim and he loved getting together as a family as much as possible. He particularly enjoyed sitting nearby in his recliner and listening to Maria and some of her daughters tease each other while playing cards. Jim was a Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals fan and loved watching them on television. He was proud of his Army service and was a proud American.

Jim is survived by his wife, Maria Rhodes of Junction City, his children Mike Rhodes (Len) of Junction City, Patty Maycroft (Roscoe) of Junction City, Jean Underwood (Connie) of Wamego, Kansas, Robert Underwood (Shari) of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Brenda Clift (Jim) of Wellsville, Kansas, Richard Underwood (Becky) of Colonial Heights, Virginia, Theresa Bramlage (Bob) of Manhattan, Kansas and Russell Underwood (Chantal) of Wamego, Kansas. Siblings include a brother Gene Rhodes (Mary) of Vibbard, Missouri, two sisters, Pearl Litz (Ray) of Leavenworth, Kansas and Connie Clark (Sid) of Joplin, Missouri. Jim was blessed with many grandchildren, Nick Rhodes (Kaley), Brandon Powers, Ashley King (Andrew), Meredith Ashley Garrett, Tim Underwood, Lauren Underwood, Michelle Cox (Eric), Michael Dietrich, Mitchell Dietrich, Joanna Underwood, Joshua Underwood, Jessica Underwood, Jamie Underwood, Julia Underwood, Jeremy Underwood, BryAnna Underwood, Alexandria Underwood and Kynzie Underwood. His great-grandchildren, Mallory King, Arrow Rhodes, Jace Dietrich and Brooklyn Dietrich. Also a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter-in-law Luise Rhodes and granddaughter Melinda Maycroft.