James Franklin Rhoades II

James F. Rhoades II, age 69, of Willmar, passed away Sunday afternoon, December 10, at his residence surrounded by his family under Knute Nelson Hospice Care.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 15, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  www.petersonbrothers.com

James Franklin Rhoades II was born on January 2, 1954, in Wilmington, Delaware, the son of James and Iola Tayler) Rhoades.  He spent much of his childhood moving around in Pennsylvania and Delaware before his family settled in Alton, Missouri.  He graduated from Alton High School in 1972 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving on the U.S.S. Guam as an Operations Specialist.

On November 26, 1972, James was united in marriage to Linda Bray.  She supported him through the Navy and continuing his education.  He received his bachelor's and master's degree at the University of Missouri in Columbia.  James went on to pursue his PhD in Poultry Nutrition at Clemson University.

His career took him to Shartlesville, Pennsylvania which had the largest chicken house in the world at that time.  In 1992, James and Linda moved to the Willmar community.  Over his career James claimed..."If it has feathers, I can make it a diet."  He was known for being "hands on" and enjoyed traveling and seeing the birds he fed.  His diets were used for poultry around the world including Guatemala and Russia.  

James found a passion for riding motorcycle.  He enjoyed both quick afternoon rides to weeklong adventures.  James was happy this was something he could do with his children and eventually his grandchildren.  When he wasn't riding, James enjoyed reading.  He always had a book with him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda; two children, James Rhoades III (and Sara Bergh) of Granite Falls and Katherine Bolstad of Willmar and three grandsons, Jesse Rhoades of Granite Falls, Gaborick Bolstad (and Jen Harasyn) of Duluth and Maddox Bolstad of Willmar, besides other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather and two brothers in infancy, Robert and Richard.