Rev. James E. Rhodes Sr.
OBITUARY
Reverend James Edward Rhodes Sr., 91, of Reading, Pennsylvania, passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Tower Health Reading Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Rev. Rhodes was born in Rehoboth, Pennsylvania, to the late Alonzo and Bertha (Jackson) Rhodes. He received his education in the Rehoboth School District and graduated from German Township High School in McClellandtown, PA.
Upon graduation, Rev. Rhodes relocated to New York City, where he met and married the love of his life, the late Lucy Ann (Davis) Rhodes. They were married on June 11, 1954, and shared 58 years of marriage.
Rev. Rhodes was employed by Dana Corporation Parish Division in Reading for over 35 years. Upon retirement, he found his calling and attended Lancaster Theological Seminary. He became a member and assistant pastor at Zion Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Masonic Order, Victor Lodge #73 (Prince Hall Affiliation), and other chapters. He found great joy in helping others in the community. He later served as a member and assistant pastor at Union Baptist Church and volunteered with the Street Ministry.
He is survived by his children: James E. Rhodes Jr. and his wife Cynthia of Reading; Ronnie Rhodes and his wife Gloria of Conway, SC; Michael A. Rhodes of Dallas, NC; and Robin T. Rhodes Carter and her husband Ernest Carter of Reading; and a special friend, Wendy Crew of Queens Village, NY.
He is also survived by three brothers: Patrick Rhodes Sr. of Atlanta, GA; Irvin Rhodes and his wife Penny of Amherst, MA; and Elijah Rhodes of Reading.
Rev. Rhodes also leaves to cherish his memory his longtime companion Renee, widow of Gerald James; along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Deborah Rhodes, and his siblings: George Rhodes Sr., Mary Rhodes Butler, Herman Rhodes Sr., Alonzo Rhodes Jr., Arthur Rhodes, and Melvin Rhodes; and special friends Allen Howard Mason and Betty Jean of Queens Village, NY.
Celebration of life at Zion Baptist Church, 224 Washington Street, Reading, PA 19601at 11:00 am Burial will take place at Forest Hills Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Zion Baptist Church Sunday School at the above address in his memory.