Jalen Isaiah Davis-Rhodes

Jalen Davis-Rhodes, 23 and affectionately known by many as J or JJ, was born on September 24, 1999, in Louisville, KY. Jalen was known for his laid-back, mild-mannered personality. He had a very bashful way about him coupled with a bashful and handsome smile. Even in bad moments, he still would find a way to smile. If he laughed out loud about something, it would catch your attention because he was so quiet and mild-mannered. Jalen loved his family with everything in him. Jalen was a protector. His family and a small circle of friends were the most important thing to him in life. Jalen suddenly passed away on November 10, 2022, succumbing to injuries sustained in a tragic car accident that also took the life of his big brother, Kenneth L. Rhodes II, also known as “KJ .” We take solace in knowing that he is with his brother in glory. And while we deeply wish his time on earth had been longer, we also take comfort in knowing that he held faith in God, having been baptized along with KJ and their sister, Brenlie Elaine Rhodes, and becoming a member of Fifth Street Baptist Church. Jalen was an exceptional athlete. He began playing sports at the age of 4, ranging between basketball and football. For the next 15 years, Jalen received several medals, awards, and trophies for his athleticism, leadership, and contribution to the sports and teams he played for. Not only was he extremely talented, but he was also coachable. When spoken of by a former coach, his words were that Jalen was “Literally the nicest kid I ever coached. Literally”. His talent led him to play High School Freshman and Junior Varsity basketball at Seneca High School while he was only in the 8th grade at Westport Middle School. Jalen graduated from Jeffersontown High School in 2018. He also briefly attended Doss High School prior to attending Jeffersontown. Jalen focused on sports at both schools while playing basketball all four years starting Varsity and JV. After graduating from High School, Jalen attended Bristol Preparatory Academy in Tennessee from 2018-2019, where his focus remained on basketball. Once he completed his basketball career at Bristol, wanting a change, Jalen began landscaping work and experimenting with music and rapping. Jalen was such a beautiful, kind soul and a blessing to this world and all our hearts. He was selfless, strong-willed, independent, and positive. He had numerous goals set in his life that he was striving for. He wanted to make a change in this world, and he did. We will truly miss him, and he’ll never be forgotten. Jalen preceded his big brother Kenneth L. Rhodes II in death. Jalen was preceded in death by his grandmother - Linda K. Davis, his grandfather – James Rhodes, Jr., his aunt - Kasmira Nash, and uncle – Rojah Rhodes. Those left to cherish his precious memories include: his mother – Kelly Davis, his father – Kenneth Rhodes, his Father/Stepfather - Todd Board (Gerita), his sister – Kamea McClendon, his sister - Brenlie Rhodes, and her mother, Adria Johnson, his Grandfather - Russell Davis (Kathy), his Grandmother – Willie Rhodes, Step-Grandmother – Kim Board-Grant, his nephew – Kyeus Stark, his niece – Amerie Stark, his uncles - Reggie Davis (LeKiesha), Keith Nash (Paula), James Rhodes III (Kym), Derrick Rhodes, Richard Duncan, Craig Shivery, his aunts – Kenya Thomas, Traci Parker, Tiffany Cayce, Ebony Bowie (Claude) Erica King-Watkins (Leon), Keausha Morris, his brother/cousin-Kwaisi Davis, his extended brothers and best friends- Delvonte McCloud (Pooh), (brother/cousin) Stanley Parker Jr.(PJ), Jordan Lyons (Tang), BoKarr Sey (Bo), and O’Neal Swint, his extended sister Tearra Banks, extended mother Catherine Copeland and a host of cousins, extended family, and friends. Visitation will be Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 9am - 10:30am at St. Stephen Church, 1018 S. 15th St. Funeral services will follow at 10:30am.

Jalen Isaiah Davis-Rhodes

September 24, 1999 - November 10, 2022