Former Arizona Congressman John Rhodes III died Thursday. He was 67.
Rhodes died in Washington D.C. from complications following a serious car accident in October, his brother, Tom Rhodes, said.
Born in Mesa, the man also known as Jay Rhodes served in the House of Representatives from 1987 until January 1993, in the 1st District seat that his father, John Jacob Rhodes, held from 1953-83. Rhodes III succeeded John McCain, who occupied the seat from 1983 until his election to the Senate in 1986.
Rhodes III served as a Republican district chairman and on the Mesa Unified School District's governing board. He was a captain in the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam.
"He was very proud of the fact that he was a U.S. Army officer," Tom Rhodes said.
Rhodes III ran for re-election to Congress in 1992 but was dogged by ethics charges. He was defeated by Democrat Sam Coppersmith in 1992.
After leaving Congress, Rhodes III went to work with a law firm in Washington, which included work representing the Central Arizona Water Conservation District, Tom Rhodes said.
Rhodes III is survived by his wife, Jane; sons John and Jeremy of Phoenix; son Arthur of New York and son Taylor of London; and brother Tom Rhodes and sister Elizabeth Reich, both of Mesa, and brother Scott Rhodes of Phoenix.
Private services will be held in Washington D.C
