Jim was one of the original YARGB's, as we had all gotten familiar with each other via Roger Simon's blog.
RHOADS, James B.
James Brinser Rhoads (age 75) died Monday, March 30th, surrounded by loved ones
in his Sandy Springs, Georgia home. His death was due to natural causes. Born
in Erie, Pennsylvania on March 10th, 1940, Jim devoted his life to his nation,
profession, church, and family. After earning a Bachelor's Degree in Political
Science from Lehigh University, Jim went on to obtain a Law Degree from the
University of Pennsylvania Law School. A member of the ROTC during his college
years, Jim next fulfilled his requirements by serving in the United States
Army. He proudly served in both the Armored Infantry and Judge Advocate General
Divisions. Jim ended his distinguished military career 4 years later with the
rank of Captain. He was a decorated veteran of the Vietnam Conflict and was awarded
the meritorious service and bronze star medals. Jim then went on to practice
Law in the Atlanta area for several firms including Fisher & Phillips and
Burr & Forman. He joined Wayne Hyatt in 1974 to form Hyatt & Rhoads, a
firm specializing in condominium law. He was rated AV Preeminent by
Martindale-Hubbell. He also founded the Benjamin Franklin Legal Foundation, a
non-profit public interest law firm organized as a 501(c)(3) public charity.
After retiring from law Jim continued to use his superb legal skills to assist
veterans at his local VFW post in Dunwoody, Georgia. He was a member of Rock of
Ages Lutheran Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia where he served as President of
the Church Council on several occasions. Pastor Randy Palm described Jim as an
"active and dedicated leader of the congregation". A lifetime fan of
classical music and opera, Jim also sang in the church choir. Jim is survived
by his beloved companion of 47 years, Roberta Schillinger Rhoads, brother
Robert Rhoads and sister Mary Ann Hamilton. He and Roberta raised five
daughters: Susie Dean, Sara Kitt, Kristen Rhoads, Amy Rhoads-Lowry and Lauren
Thompson. Jim also was survived by his five grandchildren: Mackenzie Lowry,
Harper Rhoads-McLeod, Noah Saripkin, Jaxon Thompson and Eleanor Dean. He was
preceded in death by his Grandson Graham Kitt. Services will be held at 11 a.m,
Tuesday, April 7th, at Rock of Ages Lutheran Church, 5135 Memorial Dr, Stone
Mountain, GA. Burial will be held with family and close friends. Relatives and
friends are welcome to visit with the family preceding the service at 10:30
a.m. in the Rock of Ages reception hall. In lieu of flowers the family would
like you to send donations to the following organizations: Rock of Ages
Lutheran Church, 5135 Memorial Dr, Stone Mountain, GA VFW Post 10822 1548 Mt.
Vernon Rd. Dunwoody, GA
4 comments:
Thanks for the news, sad as it is. And so, one by one, we drop by the wayside.
I only had contact with Jim through YARGB but he sure seemed a true gentleman.
Always liked his posts and comments.
- Skookumchuk
Sad news. I too always enjoyed Jim's posts and comments. Condolences to his family and friends.
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