"Great teacher, great human. Have a lot of respect for that man."
In loving memory of
James A. Rode
March 11, 1947 - April 4, 2020
James (Jim) Arthur Rode was born on March 11, 1947, in Buffalo Center, IA. The son of Arthur and Jennie (DeBoer) Rode, Jim was the oldest of his siblings - Keith and Kent. They grew up on a family farm two miles east of Titonka. Jim was a life-long member of Good Hope Lutheran Church, Titonka.
Growing up as a child, the season of Summer brought to mind vivid memories for Jim. Farm work activities kept him very busy. There was the day to day farm chores of gathering eggs and feeding the chickens and turkeys. In addition, he spent many hours walking beans and helping his dad cultivate; which was not to his liking. However, he fondly spoke of family vacations they would take each year during the summer months and weekends when they would get together with cousins to play.
Jim graduated from Titonka Consolidated Schools in 1965. He was class president and valedictorian of his senior class. He participated in track and band for all 4 years as well as being in drama and school plays. Jim also played the tenor saxophone in band and the piano oftentimes providing accompaniment for various individuals and events.
Following high school, Jim received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Mankato State University, Mankato, Minnesota in 1968 and also received his Master of Science Degree in Media from Mankato State University in 1974. Jim enlisted in the Army National Guard in June of 1969 serving until June of 1975.
Jim began his teaching career at Swea City High School in 1968 where he taught English, Journalism, directed school plays and served as the newspaper and yearbook advisor.
Jim then moved to Storm Lake, Iowa where he taught senior high English electives and served as media specialist at Storm Lake High School from 1972 until 1989. While at Storm Lake High School, Jim was instrumental in the implementation of the Winnebago computerized library circulation system as well as a video distribution system. At the request of the building principal, Jim served as chair of two NCA Self-Study Evaluations during 1981-82 and 1988-89. In addition, he was the advisor for the SLHS Student Council.
Jim accepted the position of senior high media specialist at West Des Moines Valley High School in August of 1989. While there, he served as a member of the Phase III Committee, the Valley High School Teaching and Learning Committee, and the School Improvement Team. In his last two years of employment, Jim edited Tiger Tracks, a newsletter for Valley High School families and other members of the community.
As a lifelong educator, Jim was affiliated with the following professional organizations: Local Education Associations, Iowa State Education Association, life member of the National Education Association, Iowa Association of School Librarians, Des Moines Chapter Phi Delta Kappa (30-year member), Iowa Technology and Education Connection, and National Council of Teachers in English.
Jim retired from Valley High School in 2005. Following retirement, he remodeled his grandparents' and formerly great grandparents' home across from the school in Titonka and returned to live there in the summer of 2005. In retirement, Jim loved watching his niece, Heidi, and nephew, Devin, participate in all their high school sports and other school activities. Jim also wintered in Florida for several months to escape the cold Iowa winters. His favorite places to stay were Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, and Marco Island. Jim treasured the times Kent, Robin, Heidi, and Devin would come stay and visit. When not wintering in Florida, he enjoyed spending time with friends at the local coffee shop and cheering on the Iowa State University Cyclones.
Jim was a very passionate, caring and giving person through-out his entire life. He often times provided extra newspaper articles of their personal achievements to family and friends and baby blankets to newborns. For a few years, when he was not wintering, Jim worked part time at the Rabiner Treatment Center in Algona as a juvenile counselor and later at the Elmore Academy Center, in Elmore, Minnesota also as a counselor.
Jim died Saturday, April 4, 2020, at the Titonka Care Center from complications with Dementia. He was 73. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, family only graveside services are being held at the Good Hope Lutheran Church Cemetery on Friday, April 10, 2020.
Jim is survived by his brother, Kent (Robin) Rode of Titonka, IA; niece, Heidi (Chad) Lane of Kearney, MO; nephew, Devin (Stephanie) Rode of Adel, IA; great-nephews, Braydon, Emerik, and Landry Lane and Dominick Rode.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Keith Rode; and close cousin Linda Lou Lee, who he often referred to as the sister he never had.
Tributes
"Goodness Robin and Kent I didn\'t know this until now, our sympathies to you and your family. Prayers for you all"
"I am so sorry for your loss. Although two years behind Jim in high school, I remember him fondly. I spent many times talking with him over the years. He was always happy to spend time visiting."
"Robin and Kent and Family, It is so painful to lose those we love especially when they are part of our family. Please know that I am praying for all of you at this difficult time. Lark"
"I remember James as an outstanding student and leader. My sympathy to his family. God bless."
"So sorry to hear of Jim's passing, my Dad enjoyed having him as a neighbor, he was a great guy to talk to. He will be missed."
"Jim?s bold voice and outgoing personality filled the room wherever he went. I enjoyed him stopping by our Algona office when he retired to Titonka. He?s one who will be missed."
"Jim was a great friend I?m happy to be able to share so many memories "
"Jim?s bold voice and outgoing personality filled the room wherever he went. I enjoyed him stopping by our Algona office when he retired to Titonka. He?s one who will be missed."
"so sorry to hear of Jim's (Jimmy) passing. I will remember him from high school as we graduated together. May he rest in peace!"
"To the Rode family-my deepest sympathies--Sara"
"I was a student of Mr. Rode at Swea City High. I was in his English and journal class, plus I was on the 1971 class annual committee. I have great memories of him as a teacher and working with him on the annual. He like hearing a good joke along with a great laugh. He will be missed. Joy Pehrson Winkleman Class of 1971. "
"Kent and Robin?-I am so sad to see this. Jim was such a good friend to Mom and Dad. I am so sorry for your loss. "
"I am sorry. Jim was a large part of my early life being a classmate of mine. We shared so many good times and laughs. My sympathy to the Rode family."
"sympathy to your family. Jim was always and very friendly, supportive person in our class at Titonka school. Janice Larsen Rayburn"
"We were sorry to hear of Jim?s death. He is a large part of many memories."
"So sorry to hear this Robin and Kent. I feel for you during these sad times, especially since your extended family and friends cannot be there in person. Please know, you and yours are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs, as well. "
"Robin and Kent, my heart goes out to you both for your loss. I hope you can feel our love and concern virtually and through everyone's prayers for you. Kitty and Lynn"