James Edward Rhoades

James Edward "Jim" Rhoades, 76, of Topeka, passed away Thursday, March 10, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family.

Jim was born November 26, 1939, in Cassville, MO, the son of Warren and Hazel (Antle) Rhoades.

He married Sue Ann Patterson on December 16, 1956 in Springfield, MO.

Jim was employed by Goodyear for 37 years and was an active member of the Goodyear Retiree's Club. He enjoyed participating in local, regional, and national car shows winning multiple awards and trophies. Most notably for his 1940 Ford Pickup he built from the ground up taking over two years to complete. He loved Washburn University athletics and following his grandchildren with their sports and activities.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years; six children, James Rhoades of Topeka, Larry (Mary) Rhoades of Lawrence, KS, Sandy (Tim) Coursen of Waverly, KS, Sharon (Ron) Doole of Topeka, Gary (Kim) Rhoades of Topeka, and Robert (Peggy) Rhoades of Topeka; eleven grandchildren, Kylie (Patrick) Rupe, Jake Rhoades, Tamra (Brandon) Dunstan, Cory Rhoades, Ryan (Kim) Doole, Katie (Jamel) Wilcox, Brett Rhoades, Matthew (Abby) Coursen, Annie (Brandon) Dancer, Sarah (Brandon Brugger) Coursen, and Dylan Rhoades; and eight great-grandchildren, Jayden Wilcox, Ellie Kate Dunstan, Jaxon Wilcox, Grant Rupe, Annabelle Dunstan, Liam Doole, Mallory Rupe, and baby Coursen on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Shirley Rhoades Walters Kvicala.

The family will greet friends from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 13, 2016, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave, Topeka. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, March 14, 2016, at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, 3616 SW Sixth Ave., Topeka.

Memorial contributions may be made to Stormont-Vail Cancer Center, 1414 SW 8th Ave, Attn Vicky McGrath, Topeka, KS 66606.

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