James "Jim" Rhodes Boede

James Rhodes Boede passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at home surrounded by family after suffering many years with Parkinson's disease. Jim was born on June 20, 1943, in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, the oldest child of Norman and Anne. He was joined by three more siblings: a brother, John, and two sisters, Beth and Ellyn. He lived in many places throughout the United States but eventually settled in California. He graduated from Santa Monica High School, class of 1961. He enlisted the next year in the United States Air Force, where he served four years, going to such places as Hawaii and Thailand before finishing his time at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita. It was in Wichita that he met his wife, Edith Bryant. After their wedding on January 13, 1968 at St. Margaret Mary Church, they set up their home in Wichita. Eventually their family grew to include three daughters, Shawn, Anne and Monica. After his marriage, Jim worked at various jobs before joining Boeing Aircraft; while there, he earned his Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering at Wichita State University. He was employed at Boeing for thirty-five years until his retirement, spending a good portion of those years on the military side. Jim was very active in the life of his family and parish. He coached many of his daughters' sports and was always willing to help them with their homework, especially math. He was an active member of the St. Margaret Mary's Laymen's Club until its conclusion. These men of the parish were known for drawing together the community of the parish by their many events. They would run Casino Nights, Turkey Bingo to support the needs of the school as well as host their annual Mother/Daughter Breakfast, bringing joy to the community. Eventually he joined the Knights of Columbus and helped with many events in his council. After his retirement from Boeing, he was a ready substitute teacher at area Catholic Schools, especially St. Margaret Mary grade school. Here he would volunteer after school to tutor students in math. This dedication brought him the notice of the principal who nominated him for a diocesan award; he was given the Guardian Angel award in 2018 from the diocese for his dedicated role as a volunteer at the grade school. A convert to the Catholic faith, James enjoyed learning about his faith. He attended numerous classes and workshops at the Spiritual Life Center as well as book studies and presentations at his parish. He taught PSR and Confirmation classes as well. He was very devoted to his family and enjoyed spending time with each of his nine grandchildren. He liked watching sports, especially WSU Basketball, drinking his coffee, and telling a story or joke to anyone who would listen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Anne; his brother, John; his son-in-law, Robert Gordon; and a stillborn son, Steven Michael. He is survived by his wife of nearly 57 years, Edith; his daughters, Shawn Gordon, Sr. Mary Elizabeth, IHM, Monica (Kyle) McMullen; and grandchildren, Gabriel, Noah, Mikayla, and Christian Gordon, Ethan, Evan, Emalie, Ensley, Everett McMullen; his sisters, Beth Kiester and Ellyn (Steve) Coyne; his sister-in-law, Mary Boede; and numerous nieces and nephews. Rosary will be at 10:00 am, Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 am, Friday, December 27, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. Graveside Service will follow at Ascension Cemetery Memorials have been established with: St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 2701 S. Pattie, Wichita, KS 67216; Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 3550 N. 167th St. W., Colwich, KS 67030. Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.