James Alfred Rice

James Alfred Rice, age 88, went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Harmony at Tucker Station in Louisville, KY. James was born in Pierce City, MO, to John M. Rice and Eula Mae (Slankard) Rice and was the youngest of nine children. He was preceded in death by his father, John M. Rice; his mother, Eula Mae Rice; his beloved wife of 59 years, Leta Claudette (Hendricks) Rice; one son, Ricky Dale Rice; a granddaughter, Karlie Rae Spurgeon; and all of his siblings: Vernie Rice, Elmer Rice, Carroll Rice, Roy Rice, Edgar Rice, Clara Mae Aleshire, Mary Crider, and Martha Sharp.

James was a truck driver by trade, and throughout his life he found joy in flying, motorcycles, fishing, and attending rodeos. After retiring, he and his wife moved to Lake Pomme de Terre, where he could fish as often as he wished. Together they traveled to Alaska, Mount Rushmore, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. They spent their winters in Brownsville, TX, where they made many friends and lived life to the fullest. James was also an enthusiastic Kansas City Chiefs fan and celebrated each of their Super Bowl victories. He was a member of The Believers Church, where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized in Jesus’ name.

He is survived by his son, John (Quanita) Rice, and daughter, Linda Spurgeon; daughter-in-love, Jacqueline Rice; along with his grandchildren: Bryan (Callie) Rice, Brenda (Adam) Barnes, Mark (Charlene) Martin, Rachel Rice, Arron Spurgeon, Daniel Spurgeon, Leanna Love, and Neal (Hannah) Unverferth. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Zoe Barnes, Breezy Barnes, Bryson Rice, Zea Barnes, Benjamin Moore-Martin, Elijah Moore-Martin, Paxtyn Unverferth, Neal Reed Unverferth, Mathis Ward, Aima Ward, and Time Ward.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at The Believers Church, 7905 Smyrna Parkway, with visitation from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and the funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life meal will follow in the student center. A burial service will be held at Pierce City Cemetery in Pierce City, MO, at a later date.