Christopher Michael Rhodes

 Christopher 'Chris' Michael Rhodes, 47, passed away on February 13, 2025, in Temecula, California.

Born on October 23, 1977, in Simi Valley, California, Chris moved to Hemet, California when he was only six months old.  

After graduating from Hemet High School in 1996, Chris pursued a distinguished academic path. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Political Science before earning his Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law in San Diego, California. His dedication to the legal profession spanned over two decades as a practicing attorney.

Beyond his career, Chris had a deep passion for animals. He frequently transported and fostered shelter dogs, and was involved in a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program for local feral cats. He spent many nights bottle feeding newborn kittens, providing them with care and compassion. His beloved dog, Keiko, was a cherished companion.

Chris is survived by his parents, Michael and Lynne Rhodes; his sisters, Denise DePasse (James) and Wendi Rhodes-Simpson; his brother, Scott Rhodes (Kristen); as well as his nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his ‘Brother From Another Mother’, Efrain Vargas (Shannon) and the entire Vargas Family, as well as countless other friends whom he also considered family.

 

Chris was well known for his lightning-fast wit and hilarious banter. He could turn any topic into a joke. If you were sad, he would come up with a way to cheer you up. He was well known for editing pictures of family and friends and placing their faces on other people's bodies, creating quite the hilarious scenario. He especially loved using his editing skills to tease his beloved nephews. Chris was one of the most generous people you could ever meet, whether it would be helping his fellow attorneys with the most difficult of cases, or helping his nephews with their homework. Chris was also a very talented guitarist. Not only could he play songs after hearing them only one time, he could also teach others to play the guitar. He loved sharing his skills and talents with others. Chris loved sports and was an avid University of Southern California (USC) Trojans fan. Fight On!

A celebration of Chris's life will be held in the near future. An announcement will be posted on Chris's Facebook page with the details as soon as they become available.

Chris's kindness and dedication to his family, profession and the animals he loved will be remembered by all who knew him.