The DeKalb County Community Foundation announces the Jim Rhoades Law Enforcement Scholarship Fund, created in memory of longtime DeKalb police officer Jim Rhoades to support DeKalb High School graduates pursuing careers in law enforcement. Pictured: Jim Rhoades with his wife, Sharon Rhoades, and daughters Kristina Walter and Melissa Beck.

The Jim Rhoades Law Enforcement Scholarship Fund provides ongoing support for DeKalb High School graduates pursuing a career in law enforcement, carrying forward Jim’s legacy of service, dedication, and community involvement.

The Fund was established by Jim’s wife, Sharon Rhoades, and daughters Kristina Walter and Melissa Beck to honor his lifelong service to the DeKalb community and the pride he held in both the DeKalb Police Department and DeKalb High School. Jim served the City of DeKalb in law enforcement for 53 years, making him the longest-serving employee in the history of the DeKalb Police Department.

“When Jim was ill, our family talked about creating a scholarship in his name, and he was truly honored by the idea,” said Sharon Rhoades. “Jim was excited to help students begin their own careers in law enforcement, just as he followed his dream many years ago.”

A 1968 graduate of DeKalb High School, Jim was active in football, basketball, and baseball, earning most valuable player honors in football his senior year. One of Jim’s highlights was being a member of the basketball team that went ‘Down State in ‘68!’, winning fourth place in the State Tournament. He later attended Northern Illinois University on a football scholarship and worked part time as a dispatcher for the University Police Department, where his interest in law enforcement first took shape.

Jim joined the DeKalb Police Department in 1971, serving as a patrol officer for 13 years before being promoted to detective. After retiring in 2002, he returned just days later as a part-time Community Service Officer and Evidence Room Technician, continuing to serve until health challenges prevented him from working. When asked about his career, Jim simply said, “I like solving crime.”

“We are honored to partner with the Rhoades family in creating this permanently endowed Fund that will benefit DeKalb Barb graduates for generations to come,” said Foundation Executive Director Dan Templin.

Donations to any Fund at the Community Foundation, including the Jim Rhoades Law Enforcement Scholarship Fund, can be made online or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178.

For more information or to learn how to establish a charitable Fund in memory of a loved one, contact Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.