God in His infinite wisdom called Jesse James Rhodes, Jr. to eternal rest on December 15, 2025. Jesse was born on December 15, 1987, in Hopewell, VA. He was the son of April Booth and the late Jesse James Rhodes, Sr. Jesse was preceded in death by his grandparents, Daniel Cunningham, Brenda Cunningham and Thelma Rhodes.

Jesse was educated in the Hopewell Public School System. In his youth, he enjoyed playing football and enrolled in the Hopewell Recreation Center football program. His outstanding skills were exhibited on two teams, the Packers and the Steelers. He continued his love for football and was a big supporter of the NFL Denver Broncos.

Jesse was loving and kind. He would always greet family and friends with a hug and a smile. One of the things that brought him joy was family gatherings. He valued family and encouraged family members to stay connected.

Jesse is survived by one son, Janari Rhodes; bonus twin sons, Jamari Pender and Jakari Pender; a special loving and devoted friend, Shakyla Thomas; brother, LaMarius Rhodes, Sr.; nephew, LaMarius Rhodes, Jr.; niece, LaQuasia Walker; eight aunts, Sonya Cook, Elona Cunningham, Pam Gray, Sade Pettaway, Deja Sallis, Shirley Ann Rhodes, Belinda Kirk, Diane Rhodes and Emma Mae Rhodes; two uncles, Frank Rhodes and Daniel Cunningham, Jr.; devoted cousin, Marquis Cunningham; and a host of other cousins, other relatives and friends.

The hugs and smiles that Jesse shared as he greeted loved ones will be truly missed. His memories will always be in the hearts of his family and friends.

Services will be held 2:00 P.M., Sunday, December 21, 2025, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, Bishop James Clarke, Sr., eulogist.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.