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JACK "PAPA/CACTUS" R. RHODES
April 26, 1920 ~ March 24, 2015
"Jack was a loving father, husband, grandfather,
great-grandfather, and good friend to everyone he met."
Jack "Papa/Cactus" R. Rhodes, 94, former resident of Vancouver, WA for over 61 years, died in Springfield, OR on March 24, 2015. He was born April 26, 1920 to Roscoe and Ada Rhodes in Pendleton, OR. Jack graduated from high school in Portland, OR and went to work for the SP&S Railroad the next day on Feb. 29, 1939. He loved his work with the SP&S/Burlington Northern as a brakeman and conductor until April 27th, 1981.
He served in the Army during WWII from 1944-1946 and for a time was stationed in the Philippines.
Jack married Nadean V. Rose in Wishram, WA on June 28, 1942. They had two children, Joanne (John) Halgren of Springfield, OR and Jack Rhodes, Jr.; grandchildren, Justin (Amy) Halgren, Jesse (Brooke) Halgren, and Jennifer (Geno) Hair; and ten great-grandchildren.
He loved to hunt, fish, and walk in his neighborhood, visiting friends, greeting animals, and helping keep the streets litter free.
Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Nadean; son, Jack R. Rhodes, Jr.; and sister, Virginia Torson.
According to his wishes, there will be no service.
Arrangements entrusted to Springfield Memorial Funeral Home.
Please sign Jack's guest books at www.musgroves.com and www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
So many fun times from my earliest memories...Long Beach clamming, Fishing with Jackie and Uncle Jack on the Columbia, Ping pong in the basement, so many Holiday meals together at Jack and Nadene's and at our place on NE 40th. Always with a smile and hugs for everyone. A permanent place in my heart and I am blessed to have had him as a friend as well. Will be missed but not forgotten.
Jim Torson
April 15, 2015
He was a great freind of the Tallman family. We lied buy him in Wishram and in Vancouver.
Delbert Tallman
April 7, 2015
Just received word of Jacks Passing away, I have had the privilege of knowing Jack thru our work on the old SP&S, he was a great person.
Fred & Rose Thiel
April 6, 2015
Your parents took care of me when my brother, Terry, was born May 1943. They were neighbors to my parents, Ralph & Velma Delaney, of Wishram. They always had good things to say about your folks. I called your father after the Wishram 100th anniversary celebration. I'm glad I touched base with him. Lorna Delaney Elliott
April 1, 2015
I will miss you Jack. You were one of the nicest conductors to work with. Ypu are now in Gods hands.
Ira Lewis
March 31, 2015
Knew Jack from my employment on the SP&S and BN railroad and found him to be one of those rare people who everybody had a nice word to say about him. He was at the funerals of fellow rails and always had a good word to say. My brother Roger who knew Jack from the brief time he worked on the RR in the 1950s and then got reacquainted from the Elks and I wish him a safe and comfortable ride on his final trip.
James Hurley
March 31, 2015
Joanne, Sorry to hear about "POPS". While we left the neighborhood we never stopped looking for him when driving thru. Our thoughts and prayers are with "POPS" and the family.
Dave & Rita, Senor Frogg
March 30, 2015
Dear Family and Friends,
Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of a wonderful friend. Big Jack, you were truly one of a kind. Your hugs and kisses were full of warmth and kindness. Thank you for your friendship. Sending our thoughts and prayers to all.
Aloha,
Gary & Gwen (formerly of Vancouver, WA)
Gary & Gwen Garwood
March 29, 2015
I had the pleasure of working with Jack
during the SP&S and BN RY days..Jack was one the nice guys on the RR to work with and he will be missed...Ride the high rail my friend....Jim Baker
James Baker
March 29, 2015
It was with great sadness when we recieved the phone call from Joanne about the death of Jac. He was a great guy and Kay will miss his hugs at the store.. May you know that he touched many lives and it was all good!!!!!!!!!!!
Kay and Bob Crosby
March 29, 2015
I was so sorry to see the notice about your Dad. I know his health had been failing, then noticed the house looked empty and next thing was for sale. I don't live in the neighborhood any more but still come over to walk with my girlfriend, Shirley. I first met your dad years ago when he was still walking down on the Discovery Trail daily. As time passed, his route became shorter and shorter but I never missed a visit with him when I could. He was a sweet man and I'm so glad I got to know him! My prayers and thoughts are with your family....take care.
Lisa Wooster
March 29, 2015
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