Community Dinners

James “Jimmy” Rhoden

Jimmy was born on November 24, 1940 in Biscoe, Arkansas. He was affectionately known as “Dad” to many that knew him because he often was just that caring to everyone that he met. Jimmy’s work during his life was nothing short of a neighborhood humanitarian. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Jimmy passed away on February 5, 2008. Stories are continually shared of memories that people have of how Jimmy helped them and the impact he made on their lives.

James “Jimmy” Rhoden was well known in the North Lawndale community. He was full of conversation and laughter.

For the young people in the neighborhood, he was like a father figure. He provided free hair cuts, clothing and financial support. As a working man for the city driving trucks, he was also an inspiration for kids to want to be a truck driver or learn how to work on cars like he did.

For his peers, Jimmy provided a safe place to hang out, sleep, or eat. Though he was an aide to some who were temporarily homeless in the neighborhood, Jimmy was a friend to every day people and that is what made him admired throughout the community. Not everyone that he fed were starving. However, they appreciated the warm, home cooked meal.

In his memory, we serve warm, home cooked meals every weekend in the neighborhood where he lived on the west side of Chicago during the month of November which was his birth month.

Some recipients of these meals are homeless and some are just every day people that are appreciative of the free meal.

The James-Gail Foundation, Inc. just wants to do their part in providing for the people. Will you help us provide these free meals that feed 50 people or more every weekend in November? Click the donation link to donate.