James “Jim” Rhodes
Born June 25, 1918
Keighley, England
Passed away Oct. 10, 2008
Smithers, B.C.
Jim passed on due to complications of paralysis that had left him unable to talk or walk during the past several years.
He was born in Yorkshire, England, and came to Victoria, B.C., with his family in 1919.
As a youth he became interested in amateur radio, a hobby he enjoyed most of his life. When war broke out in 1939, those with radio licences were called in by the government and trained to work as radio operators. During this time, Jim served at Tofino. Later he joined the Merchant Marines, which took him up and down the B.C. coast and to various ports around the world.
In 1947, he met and married Monica, his wife of 60 years, and they raised three children, meanwhile working at several airports throughout B.C. before coming to Smithers in 1964. There he worked as “Officer in Charge” until retirement, when he spent many happy hours on the airwaves as “VE7JR.”
He will be remembered for his beautiful singing voice, which was noticed as he sang in church and developed by Marie Kalyn. With her encouragement, Jim began to enjoy singing in choirs, and for many years led a sing-along at Bulkley Lodge. He will be sadly missed.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Monica; son Roy (Cheryl) of Smithers, B.C.; and daughters Annelle (Don) Reidel of Belleville, Ont., and Eileen (Larry) Steinke of Telkwa, B.C.
He is also survived by:
Grandchildren Katrina (Joel) Hamming of Smithers; Janice (Edgar) Sanchez of Kelowna; Megan Reidel of Invermere; Ian (Jenn) Reidel of Toronto; Karen Reidel of Vancouver; Rosanne and Nadina Steinke of Victoria; Damon Steinke of Telkwa.
Great-grandchildren Chamyli, Brenna-Joel and James Hamming; and Peyton Reidel.
Funeral Service was held at St. James Anglican Church and interment took place in the Telkwa Cemetery.
If friends so desire, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.