Jim was born on August 29, 1947, in Bethany, to, Alice Ruth King and James Craig Rhea Sr. He grew up in Mt Moriah, MO. He excelled at basketball, and played in college at Highland, KS, before transferring to play at NCMC, in Trenton, MO. After, a year there, he put away his basketball and finished his bachelor's degree from Northwest Missouri State.
Jim married his high school sweetheart, Dianne McGinness, on October 15, 1966. To this union, two children were born: Darren and Tera. Two more sons, Jon and Jason McGinness, were welcomed into the family following the loss of Dianne's brother.
In 1972, Jim moved to Appleton City to take a women’s coaching position. The following year, the boys’ basketball coaching job became available, and he decided to stay—continuing to coach while becoming a dedicated part of the community. Throughout his career, he taught health, physical education, psychology, and driver’s education. Committed to education and leadership, Jim later returned to school to earn his master’s and specialist degrees, going on to serve as a principal and superintendent at Roscoe School.
In his spare time, Jim enjoyed fishing, cookouts, photography, and spending time with his family.
Jim was preceded in death by both of his parents, his beloved wife, Dianne Rhea, and his brother, John Rhea.
He is survived by his sisters, Jane Fordyce, of Ridgeway, MO, and Jeanne (Dwight ) Hamilton of Mt Moriah, MO.; his daughter Tera Payne (Tracy ) of Appleton City, MO; , his sons, Darren Rhea ( Shari), of Cassville, MO; Jon McGinness (Becky), of Plattsburg, MO, and Jason McGinness; his grandchildren, Kayleigh Mayo (Matt) of Appleton City, Brennan Minks (Kristie), of Warrensburg, MO and Conner Minks, of Warrensburg, MO; Kyle Rhea (Shannon) of Branson, MO, Kris Rhea, of Cassville, Jayden McGinness of Platte City, MO, and Landon McGinness of Kansas City; and his great-grandchildren, Asher, Alex and Arthur (AJ) Mayo of Appleton City, MO and Tillie and Hadley Rhea of Branson, MO.
MEMORIALS - AC Booster Club
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