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 .