James Michael Rhodes

It is with deep sadness that we announce James Michael Rhodes, 60 of New River, Arizona, passed away surrounded by loved ones on January 19, 2022. Born on July 1, 1961, he was preceded in death by his mother and father Bobby and Marian Rhodes. Jim is survived by his wife Tracinda Rhodes, daughter Jessica Tary (Jonathan), daughter Amanda Raprager (Derrick), stepdaughter Adelyn Cerna, stepdaughter Leaoni Cerna, Sister Nancy Kleitsch (Philip), and Granddaughter Arya Tary.

Jim was born in Chicago, Illinois, but enjoyed a life of travel and adventures. His early life led him from Chicago, to California, to Arizona where he graduated early from Thunderbird High School in 1980 with the intention of joining the United States Air Force. In high school Jim was an accomplished runner in Cross Country and Track & Field.

Once Jim joined the military, he was stationed all over the country. He began his career at Langley Air Base in Virginia. During this time, he married his high school sweetheart, and they had their daughter Jessica. After this, Jim was sent to Sacramento, California and stationed at McClellan Airfield. Soon after he was transferred overseas to South Korea. After a few years there he was transferred and sent to Anchorage, Alaska where he was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base.

Jim loved Alaska and enjoyed living there with Cathy, and daughters Jessica and Amanda. He enjoyed camping, bonfires, and fishing, especially for halibut and king salmon. Jim loved dogs and it was here that he found his other love, Sasha. A beautiful Akita whom he loved like a child.

Jim’s last station in the Air Force brought him to Tacoma, Washington where he was stationed at McChord Air Force Base. This was where he retired from the United States Air Force after 20 years of service. Jim loved his military career and was proud to be a veteran. While living in Washington Jim enjoyed life in the country. He raised goats, sheep, chickens, horses, and the occasional duck.

After retiring from the military, Jim began his adventure into the civilian world and he went to work at Novellus Systems in Hillsboro, OR. Jim always had a plan and was always looking into the future. One of his famous lines was, “where do you see yourself in 5 years?” and “what do you want to do with your life?” He always knew where he was headed and with that, he followed his dreams and in 2006 bought The 87 Casino, Bar, and Grill in Windham, Montana. Jim loved being the “Fun Coordinator” and could always be found singing karaoke, smoking ribs, and making his famous BBQ sauce!

After a few years of living out his dreams, Jim made the decision to go back to work and he went to work for Boeing in Great Falls, Montana and then in Cheyenne, Wyoming. When his mother Marian became ill, Jim made the hard decision to move to Arizona to help her in 2011. After raising a family together Jim and Cathy made the hard decision to go their separate ways. In Arizona Jim went to work at Icon Injection Molding with his sister and her husband Nancy and Phillip as well as his niece and nephew Nicole and Bradley. Jim loved working with his family and loved the job. He quickly moved up the ranks till he was Director of Operations.

In 2014, Jim was blessed to become a Papa to his granddaughter Arya. He once said being a parent is good and all, but being a Papa is great! He loved getting her loud toys and sugar and sending her home to her mama.

In 2017 Jim met and fell in love with Tracinda. By 2018 they were married, and Jim became a stepfather and mentor to Adelyn and Leaoni. He enjoyed vacations and loved taking his girls on adventures and trips.

Jim enjoyed many things in life including 90’s country, country rap, his Harley Davidson, and spending time with his friends and family. Jim always saw the good in people and he was always mentoring and trying to better people’s lives. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met and had a smile you can’t forget. His daughters often joke about the “many faces of Jim”. He had a specific look for every emotion, and you always knew what you were going to get. He loved his boots, but there is no way anyone will ever be able to fill them again. He will be truly missed.