ILLUSTRIOUS BROTHER JIM RHODES
Illustrious Brother James Allen Rhodes was born on September 13, 1909, in Coalton, Ohio, the son of James Rhodes, a coal miner, and Susan (Howe) Rhodes. He attended schools in Jackson, Ohio; Jasonville, Indiana; and Springfield, Ohio. Following the death of his father when he was just nine years old, he worked a variety of odd jobs to help support his family.
Rhodes briefly attended The Ohio State University, where he owned and operated a small restaurant and booked bands for both the university and Olentangy Park. Although he did not graduate, he was later awarded honorary degrees from several colleges and universities in recognition of his contributions to public service.
A Trailblazing Political Career
Governor Rhodes began his political career with a term on the Columbus Board of Education (1937–1939) and later served as Columbus City Auditor (1940–1944). At the young age of 34, he was elected Mayor of Columbus, serving three terms from 1944 to 1954. He went on to become State Auditor for ten years before being elected Governor of Ohio in 1963.
Illustrious Brother Rhodes made history by serving an unprecedented four terms as Governor of the State of Ohio. His tenure was marked by bold initiatives to improve education, attract new industries, and support the expansion of existing Ohio businesses. These efforts became hallmarks of his visionary leadership.
Contributions to Youth and Community
While serving as mayor, Rhodes established several impactful organizations, including:
Author and Advocate for Vocational Education
Ill. Brother Rhodes also had a passion for writing and education reform. He co-authored three novels:
The latter two works reflected his strong commitment to expanding vocational education across the United States. From 1973 to 1975, he served as President of the National Advisory Council on Vocational Education, a position to which he was appointed by the President.
Illustrious Brother James A. Rhodes passed away on March 4, 2001, and was interred at Greenlawn Cemetery. His legacy lives on through his enduring contributions to Ohio and to the Masonic fraternity.
Rhodes briefly attended The Ohio State University, where he owned and operated a small restaurant and booked bands for both the university and Olentangy Park. Although he did not graduate, he was later awarded honorary degrees from several colleges and universities in recognition of his contributions to public service.
A Trailblazing Political Career
Governor Rhodes began his political career with a term on the Columbus Board of Education (1937–1939) and later served as Columbus City Auditor (1940–1944). At the young age of 34, he was elected Mayor of Columbus, serving three terms from 1944 to 1954. He went on to become State Auditor for ten years before being elected Governor of Ohio in 1963.
Illustrious Brother Rhodes made history by serving an unprecedented four terms as Governor of the State of Ohio. His tenure was marked by bold initiatives to improve education, attract new industries, and support the expansion of existing Ohio businesses. These efforts became hallmarks of his visionary leadership.
Contributions to Youth and Community
While serving as mayor, Rhodes established several impactful organizations, including:
- The Knot Hole Gang
- The National Caddie Association
- The Columbus Boys Club
- The All-American Newspaperboys Sports Scholarship
- The National Golf Tournament for Caddies
- Zolligans, Inc.
Author and Advocate for Vocational Education
Ill. Brother Rhodes also had a passion for writing and education reform. He co-authored three novels:
- The Trial of Mary Todd Lincoln
- Johnny Shiloh
- The Court-Martial of Commodore Perry
- Teenage Hall of Fame
- Alternative to a Decadent Society
- Vocational Education and Guidance: A System for the Seventies
The latter two works reflected his strong commitment to expanding vocational education across the United States. From 1973 to 1975, he served as President of the National Advisory Council on Vocational Education, a position to which he was appointed by the President.
Illustrious Brother James A. Rhodes passed away on March 4, 2001, and was interred at Greenlawn Cemetery. His legacy lives on through his enduring contributions to Ohio and to the Masonic fraternity.