Jim Rhodes was born in Bridal Veil and lived there with his family until he turned 16. His father was a mill worker, and Jim grew up knowing all about logging. Jim's uncle had purchased 20 acres in Corbett and had built a home on the land, later selling to Jim's grandparents. When Jim turned 16, his family moved to the Corbett property. Jim attended Corbett High, and enrolled in the Oregon Air National Guard with fellow classmate Clarence Mershon before graduating in 1949. Getting a job at the store across the road from the high school, delivering heating oil to local folks, Jim also worked at Montgomery Ward and for a Buick dealership before he was sent to Chicago for the Air National Guard. Having fallen in love with a beautiful local girl nearly four years younger than him, Jim married Jean Kerslake in 1951 before leaving for Chicago. Together Jim and Jean were gone to the Midwest for a year. Upon their return, Jim worked again for Buick, selling auto parts until 1960. In 1960 Jim got a job as a truck driver, later becoming a road supervisor for Multnomah County. The family Jim and Jean created together included two boys and a girl, and they were all raised in Corbett. Their daughter has since passed away. Now there are three grandsons to enjoy! Jim retired in 1991, and now one of their grandsons lives across the road from them in Jim's childhood home that his uncle built! Many years ago Jim and Jean divided their land and built their own home across the road from the original home. During their retirement years, Jim and Jean have traveled to 44 states by car, fifth wheel and airplane. These days they stay close to home, as Jean has been ill the last few years. Having served on the school board for seven years and on the fire department board for 25 years, Jim now enjoys having breakfast with his friends at the Corbett Market each Wednesday morning. The new owners make the entire crew homemade biscuits and gravy to enjoy while they talk about all about past and current happenings. Jim says Corbett folks are probably some of the friendliest folks ever!
