STOW - James Michael Rhodes, 88, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, in Stow, Ohio.

Born in Akron, Jim graduated from Buchtel High School and the University of Akron. During hospital stays, he met Elizabeth Doerr, his nurse who quickly became the love of his life. They married on September 30, 1961. Over his career, Jim worked for Bendix Corp., the Akron University Bookstore, Barnes and Nobles and the State of Ohio Auditor’s Office. In retirement, Jim was also proud to be an active member of St. Eugene church, serving as a Eucharistic Minister and senior altar boy.

Jim loved family, especially holidays and family vacations. He enjoyed camping, fishing, canoeing and everything outdoors. For several years, he was a Boy Scout Leader for his son’s troop. He loved to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events and recitals. Christmas with family was a very special time for Jim, which he welcomed all with illuminating light displays, outdoor nativity cribs, handmade candy and gallons of his own homemade wine.

Jim thrived designing, building and fixing thing – not afraid to tackle most any project. His hand-crafted Noah’s Ark birdhouses remain a legend within the family! He was happy planting trees and cutting them down!

Jim will be remembered for his love of family, his infectious smile, his can-do attitude and his genuine kindness to others.

James is preceded in death by his son, Eric; his brothers Tom, Jack and Phil (Kay); and his parents Harold and Nellie Rhodes.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth of 64 years; sons, Chris (Jane) Rhodes and Tim (Sherri) Rhodes, daughter Laura (Mike) Coughenour; grandchildren Kelly (Nick), Becky (Dan), Eric (Christie), Joe (Hannah), Emily, Grace, Claire, Ben; six great grandchildren; sister-in-law Angie; and cherished nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Summa Health Hospice for their care and compassion.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 PM, Friday, June 26, 2026, at St. Eugene Catholic Church, 1821 Munroe Falls Ave, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 with Fr. Pete Colletti officiating. Friends may call 10 AM to 12 PM Friday at the church. Interment will immediately follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron.

Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made in Jim’s name to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown MD 21741 (or online at michaeljfox.org).