James Rhodes

Published 12:00 am Thursday, January 24, 2008

JACKSON – Services for James M. Rhodes, 60, of Madison, who died Monday, Jan. 21, 2008, will be at 3 p.m. Friday at Christ United Methodist Church.
Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time Friday at the church.
Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home Highland Colony is in charge of arrangements.
Jim is the son of Leon E. and Ruth Boykin Rhodes. A Natchez native, he attended Mississippi State University where he was president of the Skydivers Club and received degrees in computer science and accounting. He served in the 20th Special Forces Group of the Mississippi National Guard. He began his career with the State of Mississippi and served for over 25 years holding executive positions with numerous agencies such as the Department of Human Services, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and finally at the Institution of Higher Learning. Upon retirement from state service, he consulted for First Southwest Bank. Jim loved his family dearly, was an avid outdoorsman and passionate about life.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Mary Ruth Noble and Martha Jane Day.
Survivors include his devoted wife of 21 years, Melanie Crews Rhodes; four children, Madie, Ruthie, Max, and Leila; his oldest daughter, Shannon Rhodes Pooley and husband, Sean; two grandchildren, Sean Jr. and Allison; former wife, Judy Crowe Rhodes; two brothers, Richard L. Rhodes and Leon E. “Buddy” Rhodes; and one sister, Patricia “Pat” Rhodes Pevey.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Memorials may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, Jackson, or a charity of choice.