As liaison to Stark Industries, I've had the unique privilege of serving with a real patriot. He is my friend, and he is my great mentor.
― James Rhodes
Oh, I got something special for this guy. I’m gonna bust his bunker with the Ex-Wife.
― War Machine
Nevertheless, you, James Rhodes, are never wearing the Mark II Armor again... because I made this for you instead.
― War Machine
Tony, I'm flying dead stick.
― War Machine
Nobody roped me into anything, but they told me that if I presented you with an award you would be deeply honored.
Of course I'd be deeply honored, and it's you and that's great.
― James Rhodes
James Rhodes met Tony Stark at MIT, where the two of them became best friends, with a close bond and rivalry that would last their entire lives. In the spring of 1987, according to Stark, Rhodes allegedly "guessed wrong" when sleeping with someone who Stark later insinuates was a transvestite. When he grew older, Rhodes joined the United States Air Force, and was promoted to the Lieutenant Colonel. Due to his continued friendship with Stark, he also became the liaison between Stark Industries and their Armed Forces.