James W. Rhodes

1924 – 2017

James W Rhodes passed away on January 17, 2017 at the age of 92.  Jim was born April 22, 1924 and grew up in Hempstead, NY where he spent most of his time sailing with his friends on Long Island Sound. After high school, Jim served as a medic in WWII where he was part of the D-Day landings in France. After his service, he continued his education at Farmingdale College, where he earned a degree in agriculture. He put his degree to use when he purchased a 160-acre farm in Skaneateles, NY with his parents, Walter and Maria, and his sisters. It was in Skaneateles in 1953 that he met his beloved future bride, Betty Dull, and sparked their 64-year marriage. Jim continued his career working for GLF and Agway, moving him throughout New York, and eventually landing him in West Springfield, MA in 1966.  Jim and Betty built their life there, raising a family of three boys that slowly matured into adults, moved out, married, and returned home often with their children. Jim was always one to get involved in the community and take part in many hobbies. He was a long-time member of Mittineague Congregational Church where he served as a deacon and supported the Boy Scout troop. You would often find him and Betty sailing in Connecticut on their 23' O'Day boat. They later traded the boat in for their new prized possession, an RV that allowed them to travel from the east coast to the west coast. All the grandchildren loved the RV and cherish the times they got to go camping with them. Jim lived a joyful, loving, and fun-filled life. He will be missed by all. Jim is survived by his loving wife Betty; his sons, Bill (Debbie) Rhodes, Tom (Terri Lehman) Rhodes and David (Susan) Rhodes; his grandchildren Brittany (Clay Higginson) Rhodes, Griffin Rhodes, Geoff (Tamara) Rhodes, Kelsey (Matt) Mozzi, Emily (Mike) Glynn, and James (Nicki Poppenger) Rhodes; his great grandchildren Haley and Poppy; and his sisters Katherine Truswell and MaryEllen McConnell. The memorial service will be held on Friday, Feb 10 at 11:30am at Mittineague Congregational Church in West Springfield, MA followed by an interment at the MA Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, MA. Memorial gifts in his name can be made to Baystate Health Foundation / Noble Hospital, 280 Chestnut St, Springfield, MA, 01199.