Michael D. Rhodes

Nov. 3, 1952 - Aug. 24 2018 San Jose

Michael left us after a long illness. He was an independent spirit, and wise about life. He knew films and film history, as well as jazz. Top favorite jazz artists include Miles Davis, Chris Botti, and Pat Metheny.

Michael was born in Salinas, CA, graduated from San Jose High School. He was renowned for his great speed in track and field. He studied at San Jose State University, was a writer for a local advocacy group. He was the first Director of the San Jose Film Commission. Before retiring, Michael worked 30+ years as Senior Counselor for San Jose Job Corps. Relatives who preceded Michael in death are his parents and his beloved grandparents and aunt. These latter three raised him. Friends who preceded Michael in death are his sailing partner, Jeffrey, of San Jose, and Romel David of Modesto. Michael is survived by his aunt, Mary Lou Harrell, of Houston, TX, two of Romel’s sons, who are Michael’s godsons, and his close friends, Claudia and Dan Rico, of Pacific Grove. In lieu of flowers, send donations in Michael’s name to Mary Lou Harrell, c/o Bay Area Mortuary Services, listed below. Memorial services, with urn present for paying final respects, are set for Wed., Sept. 5, 2018, from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM at Bay Area Mortuary Services, 1701 Little Orchard St., San Jose, CA 95125. Tele: 408-998-2202. Officiant: Pastor Natalie D. Wallace; Apostle Darryl W. Barber, Overseer, UGW Fellowship Ministries, 7717 Independence St., Houston, TX 77051.