James Russell Rhoads, age 97, died Saturday, October 26, 2024 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October, 30, 2024 at the Calvary Assembly of God Church. Burial will follow at 4:00 p.m. in the Elmwood Cemetery in Woodward, Oklahoma. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.


Russell was born May 7, 1927 in Miami, Texas to Thomas L. Rhoads and Lela (Taylor) Rhoads Brankle. He attended school through the 8th grade. He served in the United States Army and later became a lineman for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. James married Norma Nelson on February 1, 1946 in Woodward, Oklahoma. They were happily married for over 74 years until Norma's death in June of 2020.


Russell enjoyed music, playing the clarinet, and going fishing, but most of all, he loved going to church (especially funerals). He was a member of the Calvary Assembly of God Church in Stillwater.


He is preceded in death by both parents, his wife Norma; his daughter Teresa Rabe; four brothers, and two sisters.


Survivors include, his children, Mona Sholtess of Enid, Karen Mills of Broken Arrow, and Rusty Rhoads and wife Rita of Stillwater; grandchildren, Christie File and husband Clay, Ronnie Rabe, Bryon Stevens, Sherri Parks and husband Jason, Dustin Sholtess and wife Lacey, Rocky Rhoads, Richelle Wingo and husband Joel, and Robyn Stanley and husband Jason; great-grandchildren, Cole File and wife Chelsea, Cami Herod and husband Austin, Seth Parks and wife Alivia, Destiny Hood and husband Austin, Kaylee Parks, Josey Sholtess, Ava Wingo, Emma Wingo, Eli Wingo, Logan Stanley, Anniston Stanley, Remington Stanley; and great-great-grandchildren, Kensington Herod, Casen File and baby Herod arriving in April.


Pallbearers will be Ronnie Rabe, Bryon Stevens, Dustin Sholtess, Rocky Rhoads, Clay File and Joel Wingo. Honorary pallbearers will be Jason Stanley, Jason Parks, Seth Parks and Cole File.