Jack Hinton Rhodes

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Celebrating the life of
Jack Hinton RhodesJanuary 17, 1923 - May 30, 2014

Savannah, GA - Jack Hinton Rhodes, 91, died on May 30, 2014 at Hospice Savannah after a long illness. Jack was born on January 17, 1923 in Savannah, Georgia to Robert Hinton Rhodes and Thelma Whitford Rhodes. He was predeceased by a sister, Mary Rhodes Czarnecki.
Growing up in Savannah, Jack attended Savannah High School and Armstrong Junior College.
During World War II, he was a Captain in the U.S. Army Air Force, serving as a Navigator aboard C-54 Skymaster and C-87 Liberator Express aircraft, flying supply routes from Miami to North Africa and India. Of his service, he was characteristically modest. He once said, "I was good with math and I had a pencil, so that's where they put me," downplaying the fact that he could deliver a plane and crew to a pinpoint across the ocean using a chart, a compass and the stars.
Jack worked in sales for various companies, including Armour & Company and Georgia-Pacific. He later worked in lumber brokering and shipping.
A lifelong golfer, Jack mastered all of Savannah's golf courses while separating opponents from their folding money during friendly wagers. For more than twenty years, Jack was a familiar face at Southbridge Golf Club, where he worked as a starter and ranger until he was 89 years old. He lamented that as he grew older, he couldn't drive the ball very far; but he could generally beat anyone in the short game.
Above all, Jack counted October 1, 1971 – his first day of sobriety – as the seminal date in his life. He was known as the "Dean" of AA in Savannah, having sponsored and counseled hundreds of friends throughout his 42 years of sobriety. These friends knew they could call Jack any time, day or night, and receive Jack's special brand of straight shooting. His presence at the 24 Hour Club on Eisenhower Drive was legendary for those who benefited from his experience. Of the twelve steps, Jack often said, "Have faith, but do the legwork yourself."
Jack Rhodes was a voracious reader, keeping the Pooler branch library staff on high alert for his favorite spy novels. He loved crossword puzzles, the PGA and shag dancing; he suffered no fools but loved his family, and he made a mean spaghetti sauce. He was a curmudgeonly character with a good heart and will be dearly missed.
Jack is survived by his wife of 25 years, Jane Moore Rhodes; stepdaughter Debra Lynn Lee; son Jackson Cash Rhodes and his wife Amy; two granddaughters, Clayborne Rhodes Fulchi and her husband Ryan; and Kathleen Casey Rhodes Ives and her husband Nick, all of Savannah.
The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, June 3, 2014 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm at Fox & Weeks Hodgson Chapel, 7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah. A memorial service and celebration of Jack's life will immediately follow the visitation. Interment will be private.
The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice Savannah for their thoughtful care. Remembrances may be made to the 24 Hour Club, 1501 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, GA 31406, or to Hospice Savannah, PO Box 13190, Savannah GA 31416.
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com

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The members of Over The Sugar Hill Club send their condolences to Jane and the family of Mr. Rhodes. May our thoughts and prayers be with you during your time of loss.

- Over The Sugar Hill Club, Savannah, GA

Jack always had a way of keeping things simple. What a great guy. He touched a lot of lives.

- Charles Garrett, Pooler, GA

Peace to you Jack. Thanks for all you've done for those you've met and known along the way. And for asking about my son every time I saw you. That always made my day. Love Always to you and yours. From Don Newman

- Don Newman, Savannah, GA

I first met Jack in the 1950's when I was in my early teens. He and his family lived down the road from my aunt and uncle out on Talahi Island. I thought he was the coolest guy around. After many years, i met up with Jack again. He was the first person I recognized when I walked into the rooms of the 24 Hour Club. Seeing Jack's familiar face gave me the the courage to 'keep coming back'. That was twenty years ago yesterday. Thank you Jack. You will be remembered with great affection, and dearly missed.

- Derek C Edwards, Savannah, GA

Jane and Family, I am so sorry for you loss. Jack was a very special person. I will keep you all in my prayers.

- Angie Foran, Savannah, GA

I am sorry you are gone Jack.I know you are finally at peace.You were like a second father to me growing up as I spent as much time at your house as mine hanging out with Cash.I have never forgotten. Your Friend Chris Brown

- Chris Brown, Isle of Palms, SC

There are few men we are privileged to meet in our life time that stand as tall as Jack, not only in this world but in the next also. His hearty laugh when the words of others were nothing but the noise of the inexperienced. I never saw him laugh at anyone but he was the first to laugh with them. Experience is the ingredient of life that gives us wisdom. Jack was quick to share that wisdom. All who knew him can remember the stories and thier moral. Thank you for those year of experience. Jack, it's not good bye, its just a while till we will all be together again.

- Don Pease, Savannah, GA

With deepest sympathy to the Rhodes family for the loss of your dear loved one. Death was not a part of Jehovah God's purpose. Therefore, during this most difficult time, may your hearts be comforted by his promise to 'swallow up death forever and to wipe away the tears from all faces.'Isaiah 25:8.

- Annie Thomas, Snellville, GA

Those we love are never really lost to us.We feel them in so many special ways. Through friends they have cared about and dreams they have left behind.In beauty they added to our days in words of wisdom we carry with us.Those we love are never really lost to us for every where their special love lives on. So very sorry for your loss.

- RUTH FINCHER, SAVANNAH, GA