James Rhoden

James Edward Rhoden was called to his Heavenly home on February 18, 2023 at the age of 92. James was born in Hope, Arkansas to Sidney and Edna Rhoden. From a very early age, James helped his dad on the family farm. James learned how to tend to the animals and gardens. He loved to go fishing with his dad. After graduating from high school, he attended Eastern Texas Bible College and pursued a degree in Theology. It was here that James was introduced to Duplicate Bridge, a passion that would stay with him throughout his life. After college, James traveled a lot and worked in sales. He particularly enjoyed car sales. He eventually started his own car detailing and leasing business and moved his family to Baltimore, Maryland. In late 1972, James met Barbara Machen and fell for her immediately. They were married six months later on July 7, 1973. Within a year, they started a family. Jamie Lee Rhoden was born May 25, 1974 and Lisa Anne Rhoden was born February 23, 1977. As a family, they loved camping and would spend summers visiting various campgrounds. Being a kind and dependable father was of the utmost importance to James and he certainly did not disappoint when it came to wholeheartedly loving his daughters. Barbara and James played Duplicate Bridge multiple days a week at a local club. It was common for players at the club to offer James money to play since he was such an outstanding player. They knew with James on their team, they would come in First Overall! Unfortunately for James and Barbara, their daughters never took to Bridge, but the girls loved to play other card games with them, especially Crazy 8’s. In 2001, James and Barbara moved to Florida. They lived in several places in Putnam County and St. John’s County before settling in St. Augustine. In true fashion, James and Barbara found several Bridge clubs in Florida. They played in St. Augustine, Palm Coast and Welaka, where they developed very special friendships with the other players. James earned the title of Gold Life Master in April 2012 and Diamond Life Master in June 2019. In addition to his love of Bridge, James was also very passionate about his faith. He and his family were involved at Protestant, Church of the Nazarene and Church of God. The family attended Sunday school weekly and James served the Lord as a Preacher. James leaned on his faith, and his love of Bridge, after he lost his beloved wife in 2014. James continued to play Bridge several days a week until he passed. James is survived by his daughters, Jamie Ferguson and Lisa Joines, as well as his grandchildren- Ryan Fergusson (20), Lee Joines Jr. (17) and Lindsey Joines (15). The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life at the Palm Coast Bridge Club on March 23 at 11:00 am. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

James Rhoden

November 14, 1930 - February 18, 2023