John C. Rhames

The "real" author is Jesus Christ. From the beginning to the end, it is HIS book. From the first page to the last, it is life. Life as it first entered the soul, life as it grew was fed, nourished an sustained.

The recording of the life of John C. Rhames Sr., affectionately called "J.R. or Coach" began on December 11, 1937. He was the oldest and only son born to the late Edith Rhames-McGee and John C. Frazier. John was blessed to be raised by the late Bertha and Gifford Rhames. His earthly chapter ended on October 4, 2018 after a lengthy illness.

John received his education in the Baltimore City Public Schools. He graduated from Paul Lawrence Dunbar in 1957, then decided to join the United States Air Force where he served four years and received an honorable discharge.

In 1961, John returned home and held several jobs including Poolin  Brothers Box Company, News American and Knox Presbyterian Daycare. He began his career at The Baltimore City Department of Parks and Recreation with the youth of Halon Park and later Camp Concern.

John met Daisy Jordan and after a successful courtship they married in 1964. They created a foundation that is everlasting that was able to stand the test of times and were married for 54 years.   

John enrolled at The Community College of Baltimore where he discovered his career path and graduated in 1971 with an Associates Degree in Recreational Leadership. He earned his next two degrees from the University of Baltimore; finishing his Bachelors in Urban Recreation (1973) and Masters of Science (1978) in the same field.

John became a brother of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in 1976 and was awarded the lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.

John had a long list of accomplishments during his forty year tenure at the Community College of Baltimore such as CCB Professor and Coach of the Year (1974), region 20 Red Devil Coach of the year (1980), NAACP All Star Coach Award (1990), Sports Hall of Fame (2007), CCBC Volunteer of the year (2000-13), three time winner of the CCBC Dundalk Volunteer Athletics Hall of Fame (2009-14), seven community service awards including the Baltimore Citizen Citation (1980) and the Mayor of Baltimore Merit Award (2000).

In 2000, John retired as an assistant professor of Health and Life Fitness but continued to work as an adjunct professor in the Allied Health Department. 

John received his religious training as a member of Knox Presbyterian Church since 1951. He was an active member until his health prevented his attendance. His level of dedication to his church family is a testament to the huge heart he shared with the world. As a dedicated member he served on several ministries such as President of the Trustee Board, traveling with the Golden Nuggets, the soup kitchen and he was a lifetime member of the National Presbyterian Black Caucus.

John's religious beliefs were global as he supported the Harvest Reapers Church in Sumpter, South Carolina, TBN,T.D. Jakes and various other ministries. John was also a Honorary Member of Maranatha Truth Center where his children attend.

John was a man of Stature, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. John enjoyed his yearly road trips to Sumpter, South Carolina. He loved getting the family together hosting backyard BBQ's to keep the family connected.He was a avid sports fan who enjoyed spending time with his friends. he loved playing pinochle, poker and black jack. He had a humble spirit that was infectious. John will truly be missed; all of his endearing qualities will remain in our hearts forever.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Daisy Rhames, six children Lorraine Rhames, Nieta Rhames, Tonya Sharp, John Rhames Jr., Corey Rhames and Eric Rhames; one daughter-in-law, Gaylord Rhames; two sisters Shirley Hawkins and Geraldine Scott; seven grandchildren, Charteia, Natasha, John III, Cherrell, Johntay, Erica and Jaxson; nine great grandchidren, Demetris, Pria, Shershallan, Jeffrey, Jaylah, Darrias, Darrian,Ayden and Caisyn; one great great granddaughter, Stori; one brother-in-law, Joe; three sister-in-laws; Ann, Dorothy and Reba; one sister proceeded in death,  precious; honorary son Michael Johnson and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.                 ,  

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