Marvin James, Jr.

Marvin A. James Jr. 25, of Grundy Center, Iowa died Saturday, February 3, 2018 at home in Grundy Center. A memorial for family and close friends will held for Jr later this week. Memorials may be directed to the family c/o Nicole Rhoads - Rhonda James 206 J Ave, Grundy Center, Iowa 50638. Engekles-Abels Funeral Home is caring for Jr and his family.

Marvin A. James Jr. son of Marvin Sr. and Rhonda (Michels) James was born on October 15, 1992 in Rockford, Illinois. He attended Union Community Schools and Waterloo West High School. Jr was known as a “Gentle Giant”. He enjoyed playing basketball, football with his nephew and paint ball with friends. He was also very proud of his Dodge Charger. Marvin was a huge Iowa Hawkeyes fan as well as a Celtics fan. He grew up also having a collection of things. As a child he loved to collect the neatest rocks he could find. As an adult he loved collecting the coolest hats, shades and shoes! He was also very knowledgeable in history, math and science. He especially loved spending time with his young niece and nephews.

Survivors include his mother, Rhonda James; father, Marvin James Sr; sister, Nicole (Christopher) Rhoads all of Grundy Center; nephews, Bentley Christopher and Remington Charles Rhoads; niece, Harper Faye Rhoads; grandparents, Mike and Rose Lee of Machesney Park, IL; his grandfather, Charles James and Betty of Mt. Juliet, TN. He is also survived by his auntie, Reba Marabotto of Temecula, CA; his aunt, Rae (Alan) Nafziger of Machesney Park, IL; and several other aunts, uncles and cousins.

Marvin was preceded in death by his brother, Matthew Ronald James; niece, Kherington Christina Rhoads; maternal grandparents, Ronald and Shirley Michels; uncle, Bob Mehe’ula; and his beloved Syberian Husky Avalanche.