James Bryan Rhodes

Asheville - James Bryan Rhodes, 89, of 16 Elk Mountain Road died Friday, December 26, 2003 after a brief period of declining health. Bryan, a lifelong resident of Buncombe County, was a member and past deacon at Riverside Baptist Church and later became a member of Newbridge Baptist Church. He was a son of the late William Henderson and Josie Snyder Rhodes. He graduated from Woodfin High School in 1932, where he played baseball and basketball. He retired after 44 years at American Enka, where he also played baseball on the Industrial League. He was in the C.C. Camp at Mount Sterling. Bryan loved fishing, gardening and traveling with his wife, Edith on Christian tours. He was preceded in death by a son, David Kim Rhodes; two brothers, Ronald Rhodes and Lawrence Rhodes; and a sister, Adeline Misenheimer. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Edith Riddle Rhodes; a son and daughter-in-law, Russell and Sue Rhodes of Asheville; a sister, Mildred McCracken of Asheville; a grandson and his wife, Robert Bryan and Stacey B. Rhodes of Boiling Springs, S.C. and several nieces and nephews. He will be a great-grandfather in January to twin boys. Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. Monday at Ashelawn Gardens of Memory with the Rev. Clark Henderson officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the services at the cemetery. At other times, the family will be at the home of Russell and Sue Rhodes, 16 Elk Mountain Road. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Newbridge Baptist Church Building Fund, 199 Elkwood Avenue, Asheville, N.C. 28804. Anders-Rice Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.