Pickaway County, OH – The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office announced with great sadness the death of Retired Captain and current Reserve Deputy Jon F. Rhoades, a longtime public servant who dedicated decades of his life to law enforcement in Pickaway County and across Ohio.
According to the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office, Rhoades passed away Saturday, January 4, 2026, at his residence. He was 61 years old. The Sheriff’s Office said his death was due to natural causes.
Rhoades began his law enforcement career with the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office, originally hired under then-Sheriff Dwight E. Radcliff in the Corrections Division. He graduated from the Ohio Basic Peace Officer Training program in November 1989 and went on to serve in multiple roles within the Sheriff’s Office.
Later in his career, Rhoades resigned from the Sheriff’s Office to accept a position with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, where he worked as a police officer. After nearly two years with the Patrol, he transferred to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), where he served the state until his retirement in 2017.
Despite working at the state level, Rhoades remained committed to Pickaway County, continuing his service as a Reserve Deputy throughout his time with the State of Ohio.
Following his retirement from PUCO, Rhoades returned to the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office in a full-time leadership role. He was hired by Sheriff Robert B. Radcliff as a lieutenant overseeing the Communications Center. In March 2023, he was promoted to captain of the Communications Center, a role he held until retiring from full-time status in August 2023.
The Sheriff’s Office said Rhoades remained very active in the Reserve Deputy Program and was most recently elected Fiscal Officer in Jackson Township.
“Deputy Rhoades has been a lifelong servant of not only Pickaway County but the entire State of Ohio,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement, adding that he will be deeply missed.
Officials said funeral arrangements will be shared once they become available.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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