James Ira Rhodes, Jr.

James I Rhodes Jr, 86, passed away peacefully at Moosehaven on January 30, 2016. He was born in Morristown, NJ February 28, 1929, to the late James I Rhodes Sr and Gladys M Rhodes. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife Arlene R Rhodes, daughter Suzan Landgraf and brother Robert Rhodes. Jim was brought up in Dover, NJ, graduated the class of 1947 Dover HS. He served in the Marines during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged in 1952. Jim retired from McGregor-Doniger Inc, where he was employed for 35 years as an sportswear designer and in 1980 moved to Florida. He attended Brevard Community College and studied computer programing and repair. He also had a garment manufacturing business in Pt Orange Fl. In 2002 Jim and Arlene moved to Moosehaven. Jim's Moose career began with enrollment on April 29 1962 in the Dover NJ Lodge #541, He enrolled in the Legion in 1963 and received the "25" Club that year. He became an active member of his lodge and was appointed Inner Guard then Sgt. of Arms. In 1969 he became Governor and received the Governor's Merit Award, and was elevated to the Fellowship Degree in 1970. In 1970 he served as Jr Past Governor, on many committees, and was also House Chairman for many years. He started a kitchen to raise money for the lodge to help pay off the mortgage. In 1979 he returned to the office of the Governor once again, guiding his lodge thru the building of an addition. Upon arrival in FL Jim stayed active in the Moose, helping the Cocoa Lodge in the building of the new social quarters. He visited all the lodges in Brevard County then moved to Volusia County and assisted in establishing a new lodge in Pt Orange #245, and applying for a W O T M Charter #2066 On 5/30/1998 he was called to Mooseheart to receive his Pilgrim Degree, which was one of his most cherished achievements. He was very active in Opportunity Lodge at Moosehaven . In addition to his Moose service he was Past Exalted Ruler of the Pt Orange Elks and always a Marine. Survivors include son James I Rhodes lll of NJ; daughters, Torey Rhodes Zeek (Ted) of SC, Mindy Rhodes of NJ, Linda Sedgeman Smith of FL, and Richard T Sedgeman Jr (Karen) of FL; Sister, Jean Bragg of NJ; brother, Darryl Rhodes of VT. "Pop" is also survived by eleven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Memorial Services will be held at Moosehaven, 1701 Park Ave., Orange Park FL at 2:00 pm Friday, February 26, 2016 with military honors. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Jim's name to: Moose Charities 155 N International Dr. Mooseheart IL 60539