JOHN J. RHODES

John J. Rhodes, devoted husband, father and grandfather, died on December 9th at the age of 84.

A native of Missouri, he attended William Jewell College and the University of Missouri and graduated from the University of Denver.

He began his lifelong world travels while dutifully serving the United States in WWII in the North African Theatre as a pilot and an officer. After the war, he met and married his wife of more than 55 years, Gloria. He went on to become a commercial airline pilot for Pan American World Airways. John retired from Pan Am in 1978, and then completed his flying career with Singapore Airlines, where he retired again in 1980. In retirement, John and Gloria continued to travel the world, visiting friends and family in many countries.

John will be remembered as an avid sports enthusiast and a loving and considerate person. Those who have visited the Rhodes’ home know of John’s elaborate satellite television system capable of receiving sporting events broadcasts from all over. He was constantly upgrading this system, keeping it on the leading edge of technology. Throughout his life he was a dedicated tennis player and spectator, attending the Wimbledon Championships every year for more than 25 years.

John was preceded in death by his son Greg. Surviving him are his wife Gloria; son Rick and his wife Pon; daughter Kim with Michael; daughter Diane; and grandchildren Allison, Cavan, John, Jeff and Greg. He is also survived by his sister Elizabeth Jones; sister-in-law Bonnel Rhodes; daughter-in-law Masae Rhodes; nieces Marcia Richardson and her husband Jim; Gloria Steele and husband Herb; nephews Stephen Jones and wife Jan, Paul Rhodes and wife Pat; Allen Rhodes, and many grand-nieces and nephews.

According to his wishes, there will be no funeral services. In remembrance, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the charity of your choice or the American Cancer Society.