Rev. Rhodes was born in Ronco, Pennsylvania, to the late Alonzo and Bertha (Jackson) Rhodes. He received his education in the Ronco School District and graduated from German Township High School in McClellandtown, PA.
Upon graduation, Rev. Rhodes relocated to New York City, where he met and married the love of his life, the late Lucy Ann (Davis) Rhodes. They were married on June 11, 1954, and shared 58 years of marriage.
Rev. Rhodes was employed by Dana Corporation Parish Division in Reading for over 35 years. Upon retirement, he found his calling and attended Lancaster Theological Seminary. He became a member and assistant pastor at Zion Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Masonic Order, Victor Lodge #73 (Prince Hall Affiliation), and other chapters. He found great joy in helping others in the community. He later served as a member and assistant pastor at Union Baptist Church and volunteered with the Street Ministry.
Among his many volunteer activities, Rev. Rhodes served in the Berks County Prison Ministry for many years. He also pastored and volunteered at the Wernersville State Hospital Outreach, area homeless shelters, and throughout the community, often bringing home complete strangers in need. He provided lifelong support and assistance to family members whenever needed. His children and grandchildren fondly remember his love, care, and attentiveness. Rev. Rhodes was a proud member of the Reading and Vicinity Ministerial Association.
Rev. Rhodes was an avid sports fan. His favorite NFL teams were the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles. He also enjoyed traveling, including many Caribbean cruises and trips throughout the southern, midwestern, and western United States, as well as abroad, especially to Germany.
He is survived by his children: James E. Rhodes Jr. and his wife Cynthia of Reading; Ronnie Rhodes and his wife Gloria of Conway, SC; Michael A. Rhodes of Dallas, NC; and Robin T. Rhodes Carter and her husband Ernest Carter of Reading; and a special friend, Wendy Crew of Queens Village, NY.
He is also survived by three brothers: Patrick Rhodes Sr. of Atlanta, GA; Irvin Rhodes and his wife Penny of Amherst, MA; and Elijah Rhodes of Reading.
Rev. Rhodes also leaves to cherish his memory his longtime companion Renee, widow of Gerald Tames; along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Deborah Rhodes, and his siblings: George Rhodes Sr., Mary Rhodes Butler, Herman Rhodes Sr., Alonzo Rhodes Jr., Arthur Rhodes, and Melvin Rhodes; and special friends Allen Howard Mason and Betty Jean of Queens Village, NY.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Zion Baptist Church, 224 Washington Street, Reading, PA 19601. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at Forest Hills Memorial Park.
A Special Thank you to the Zion Baptist Church family for the support provided to Rev Rhodes and his family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Zion Baptist Church Sunday School at the above address in his memory.
Theo C. Auman Inc. Funeral Home, Reading, is entrusted with the arrangements. www.theocauman.com
