James F. (Big Jim) Rhoads

James F. (Big Jim) Rhoads, age 86, of Elkhart, Kansas died February 28, 2015 at Morton County Hospital in Elkhart, Kansas.  He was born August 28, 1928 in Macksville, Kansas, the son of Cluster Marion and Jennie Luciel (Wietner) Rhoads.

Jim grew up at Macksville, Kansas and graduated from Macksville High School.  He served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged.  He was a farmer, had worked in the oil field, drove a truck, was a milkman, Fuller Brush salesman and a      K-Mart appliance manager.  He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

On February 4, 1951 he married Nelda Smith; she preceded him in death on January 21, 2013.

Survivors include one daughter, Bonnie Fraser of Elkhart, Kansas; one sister, Sharon Hall of Harper, Kansas; ten grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; one son, Eugene Rhoads; three sisters, Evelyn Rhoads, Leota Long and Clevola “Jean” Shultz.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at Garnand Funeral Home Chapel in Elkhart, Kansas with Reverend Terrell Giddens presiding.  Burial will follow at Elkhart Cemetery in Elkhart, Kansas.  Visitation will be Tuesday, March 3, 2015 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Elkhart, Kansas.  Memorial contributions may be given to Whistle Stop Park in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 854, Elkhart, KS  67950.