James T. Rhodes

The Life James Theodore Rhodes was born on July 02, 1933, in Bridgetown, Virginia, to the late Mary and Braxter Rhodes. He passed away on January 09, 2020, at the Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, surrounded by loving family. As a young adult, James moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he resided until his death. His beloved birthplace of Virginia remained the home of his heart and he returned frequently to visit family and friends. It is said that you can always go home again. He did in life and it is fitting that he has come home for his final resting place. Home is where you feel you belong and James felt he belonged in Virginia. James received his primary education at Bridgetown Elementary School. Following, he received his secondary education at Northampton County High School. Upon completion of high school, he attended Norfolk State College. James served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958, when he was honorably discharged. Thus, James is one of the countless Veterans to whom we owe a debt of gratitude. While stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington state, he was an Armor Intelligence Specialist with Troop A of the 4th Infantry Division’s 2nd Reconnaissance Squadron, 8th Calvary. He received a Good Conduct Medal and had the distinction and honor of taking part in field exercises testing the Army’s new “pentomic” battle concept. James started out working in his parent’s restaurant in Bridgetown, Virginia. Previous places of employment include the F. J. Stokes Corporation, Bryn Mawr College, Haverford College, and Alfa Laval. While an employee of Alfa Laval he received a certificate in electrical training. After many years of dedicated service he retired from Alfa Laval. In retirement James and his much loved wife Velma enjoyed being able to freely travel between Pennsylvania and Virginia. They cherished having more time to spend with family and friends, especially their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. James was young at heart, defying his chronological age. He had a zest for living and thoroughly enjoyed life. He loved to eat and had a particular weakness for soul food. He held dear memories of the foods he grew up eating in Virginia and found those foods irresistible. James had a great appreciation of music and a prized collection of “oldies but goodies”, which he eagerly shared with family and friends. Whether rolling down the highway in his treasured truck, or relaxing at home in his mancave, he had his music at his side. As a high school student, James was a member of the football team. His passion and enthusiasm for sports remained with him throughout his life. He delighted in watching many genres of sports. He was enthralled with cars and often told stories of his car racing days in Virginia. Also fascinated with motorcycles, he was a true biker who belonged to a motorcycle club in Philadelphia. Needless to say, he simply adored and appreciated cars, trucks, and motorcycles. He even collected the traditional Hess toy trucks. James was very sociable, easy-going, and politically conscience, which was evident through his financial support of President Barack Obama. A fun fact about him is that he wore matching outfits with his wife. You could always pick him out as Velma’s husband because he was the one dressed similarly to her. He deeply loved his wife and family; and would willingly lend a hand to a friend. James and his granddaughter, Tanya Coston, and his grandson Robert Charles Watson, Jr., were particularly close. Likewise, he and his cousin Ira M. Jones spoke daily, sometimes talking on the phone more than twice a day. James was preceded in death by his wife, Velma Watson Rhodes, son Nelson Perkins and granddaughter Ingra Fitchett. He is survived by daughters Selene Gates (Gregory) and Linda Walker; sons Tyrone Allen, Robert Charles Watson, Sr. (Ramona) and Wayne Byron Watson, Sr. (Mary); daughter-in-law Gladys Perkins; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other relatives. Lovingly Submitted by The Family

James T. Rhodes

July 2, 1933 - January 9, 2020