James Rhodes

James E. “Jim” Rhodes III, age 66, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Thursday, February 21, 2013 in the Chambersburg Hospital. Born in Altoona, PA, he was the son of the late James E. Rhodes Jr. and Vivian L. Baird.
Jim was a 1964 graduate of the former Scotland School for Veteran’s Children. He went on to serve as a U.S. Navy veteran, where he served honorably during the Vietnam Conflict from 1964 – 1967. He continued his service to his fellow country man by working at the former Scotland School for Veteran’s Children for 17 years and for 22 years of service as the Chief of Depot Police at the Mechanicsburg Naval Depot, where he retired in 2005. A committed patriot, Jim was a member of numerous local veteran’s organizations, including the American Legion Post 612, St. Thomas, PA, where he was a life member and served as a past commander, Past Bi-County Commander, and Past District Commander for the 22nd district; he was also a Sons of the American Legion member of Post 46 in Chambersburg and a life member of the following veteran’s clubs, VFW Post 1599, Chambersburg, PA; AMVETS, Post 224, Chambersburg, Vietnam Vets, Post 41, Chambersburg, PA, and the Landis-McCleaf Detatchment of the Marine Corps League, Chambersburg, PA. In addition, he was invited to join the 40 et 8 Club, Local 731 and the Military Order of the COOTIES Conococheague Pup Tent 72. Jim was a member of the George Washington Masonic Lodge #143, the Cumberland Valley 21 Day Retreat Organization, the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #843, Chambersburg, PA, and the Knights of Columbus #1426, Chambersburg. A John Wayne enthusiast, Jim also enjoyed hunting, watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, and collecting Ducks.
Surviving is his wife of 44 years, Nancy Moore Rhodes, whom he married on August 10, 1968; his children, James Earle Rhodes, Sr. (Christine) of Fannettsburg, PA; Travis Lynn Rhodes (Tanya) of Chambersburg, PA; and Melody Anne Rhodes-Boone (Rob) of Waynesboro, PA; two grandchildren, Jimmy Rhodes and Kylar Boone, two step-grandchildren, Damien and Benjamin Elser; and three siblings, William Rhodes of Altoona, PA, Cindy Carlheim of Altoona, PA, and Dale Mullins of Crestview , FL. He will also be deeply missed by his beloved dog, “Blaze.”
Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 in the Chapel of Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Rd., Chambersburg, PA; with Rev. Rick Noll officiating. The family will receive friends in the funeral home on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM and on Wednesday one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in St. Thomas Cemetery, where members of the Charles Nitterhouse Post 1599 VFW Honor Guard will conduct military graveside honors. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to the American Legion Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 2324, Harrisburg, PA 17105.