James Rice

James Clarence Rice, 95, of Lexington died early Monday morning, December 17, 2001 at Woodlawn Nursing Home. Mr. Rice was born February 16, 1906 in Ashland, Alabama to James M. and Fleeta B. Knight Rice. He was an area resident since 1930, retiring from General Motors in October 1969. He was also a self-employed contractor in the area for 22 years owning and operating Rice Construction. James was a member of Magnolia Springs Baptist Church, charter member of the Homebuilders Association of Mansfield, charter member of the UAW Retirees, and Lexington Senior Citizens. He was a very avid gardener.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth E. Johnson Rice of Mansfield; son and daughter-in-law, Harold E. & Anne Rice of Mentor, Oh.; three granddaughters, Robinn & John Steenburg of Hudson, Oh., Cathi Rice of Mentor, Traci & Mike Hissam of Mentor; stepson, Richard E. Johnson of Lexington; two stepdaughters, Anita Osbourn of Clarksburg, WV and Carol Ann Johnson of Columbus, Oh.; two step-grandchildren, Melinda and Deddie Osbourn of Clarksburg, WV; two foster children, Larry Erickson of San Francisco, Ca. and Martha Jean Erickson Lazano of Balch Springs, Texas; and seven foster grandchildren. Other relatives include great-grandchildren, Kyle and Lindsey Steenburg, and Lauren Hissam; granddaughter-in-law, Janet Rice; Nellie Rice Johnston; Bill & JoAnn Rice; Charlotte & Larry Davenport; Betty Niebel; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Alice Mary Fieselman Rice on May 21, 1979, four brothers and three sisters.

Friends may call at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors Thursday, December 20 from 5-8 p.m. Funeral services will be at the funeral home Friday at 11:00 a.m. conducted by Pastor Jack Sharp. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park.