Jay H. Rhodes

Jay H. Rhodes, 80, of Dahinda, passed away on Friday, July 22, 2022 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, with his family at his side. 

Jay was born on June 22, 1942 in Paxton, Illinois. He was the son of Virgil and Grace (Burns) Rhodes. Jay married the love of his life, Linda L. LeStarge on August 8, 1964 in Arlington Heights, IL. Together they celebrated 57 years of marriage. Surviving Jay are his wife, Linda at home; daughters, Julie (Doug) Lenhart of Ames, Iowa, Kathie (Miles) Blanton of Frisco, Texas and Susan (Troy) Kutz of Huntley, Illinois; grandchildren, Zachary (Kirsten) Lenhart, Luke Lenhart, Brady Blanton, Noah Kutz, Beau Blanton and Grace Kutz; a brother, Don (Mary) Rhodes; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Dick, Mary Anne, Ed, Fred and Faye. 

Jay was a graduate of Gibson City High School. Jay earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Education at Western Illinois University where he played football, ran track and was a member of the TKE fraternity. He later went on to complete his Masters Degree at Northern Illinois University. Jay was an educator, athletic director and coach for over 30 years in Sterling, Illinois. On January 21, 2000 he was inducted into the SHS Athletic Hall of Fame. He will always be remembered as a person of great values, a mentor and role model.

Jay was a member of The Oaks Community Church at Oak Run. Jay was a family man.  His wife, daughters and grandchildren meant the world to him. In his free time he loved fishing, boating and watching his grandchildren in all of their activities. 

Private family services were held on July 30, 2022. Burial was at Drummer Township Cemetery, Gibson City, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be sent to:

The Oaks Community Church

1868 Congregation Road

Dahinda, IL 61428

Sterling Schools Foundation

SHS Athletic Booster Club

510 East Miller Road

Sterling, Illinois 61081

Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory in Knoxville have been entrusted with arrangements. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com