J.F. "Junior" Rhodes was born in Abilene, KS in 1921. When he was two years old the family moved to Tampa, KS. Rhodes grew up in the Tampa area and graduated with the Tampa High School class of 1939. He entered the Kemper Military academy in Booneville, Missoni graduating in 1941. Rhodes moved to Californian and worked in a Sacramento bank until he enlisted in the Army. He became a parachuter and served in Europe involved in the invasion of Italy and fighting in Anzio, South France, Sicily, and the Battle of the Bulge. Rhodes received 2 purple hearts. His parents received a letter at one point of his military career, stating Rhodes was missing in action which was very upsetting. A few days later, a personal letter came from Rhodes telling his parents he was doing alright and living in an apple orchard, leaving his parents to believe he was safe. Soon an official letter from the Army verified Rhodes had been able to met up with his unit and was back to serving his country. Rhodes returned home and moved to Topeka marring his High School sweetheart. Courtesy of the Dickinson County Heritage Center and Museum.