Rhoads, James F. 'Jim'

James F. “Jim” Rhoads, 75, of Brooklyn, died Thursday, Dec. 30, 2010, at the Grinnell Regional Hospital following an extended illness. Funeral services: 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5, at First Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn, with the Rev. John Reynolds Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Brooklyn Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Kloster Funeral Home, Brooklyn.

James Franklin Rhoads was born Jan. 30, 1935. He grew up in the Albia and Oskaloosa areas and attended school in Albia before attending college at William Penn, North Eastern Missouri State University, and North Western Missouri State University. He attained double masters degrees and was a well-known teacher and guidance counselor in the area. He taught for 33 years in the area schools.

Jim was the husband of Retha Seams Rhoads and was married to her for 53 years. She still resides in Brooklyn. They have two sons, Steve (Melia) Rhoads and Bruce (LeAnn) Rhoads; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Jim “Cub” Rhoads was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Elizabeth Rhoads of Oskaloosa; and six brothers, Richard “Dusty” Rhoads, Carl “Bub” Rhoads, Robert Rhoads, Clifford “Tip” Rhoads, Edward Rhoads and Williams Rhoads.

Besides his wife, two sons and families, Jim is survived by a brother, Tom (Mary Ann) Rhoads of Joplin, Mo.; and a sister, Ruth (Bill) Clark of Albia.

Jim loved his family first and foremost. He loved to sing and whistle songs. He enjoyed fishing, fixing up old houses and playing cards with friends.

Dad, although your whistling and songs are no longer in our ears, they will forever be carried in our hearts.

A memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at