James Russell Rice Sr.

James was born in Atlanta, Georgia on July 13, 1937, to the late Charles Webb and Edith Naomi Gibbs Rice. At the age of 17, James joined the United States Marines and went on to serve in the Vietnam War and retired after 20 years of service as a First Sergeant. After his military career, James attended the University of Georgia, graduating in 1977 with his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and went on to work with the Farmers Home Administration. He was an avid fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his daughters, Lisa Rice and Anne Louise Rice, and sisters, Dorothy Elliott and Nancy Taylor.

James is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nobuko Oda Rice; sons, James R. Rice, Jr. and Joseph Thomas Rice and his wife, Brandy Ann; sister, Louise Rice Kunisch and her husband, Karl; grandchildren, James Ortegon Rice, Anne Marie Rice, Matthew James Rice, and Kate Louise Rice; nephews, Mark Elliott and Lance Elliott.

A memorial service will be held 1:30 PM, Saturday, April 26, 2025, in the Chapel of Bernstein Funeral Home with Deacon William Schubring officiating.

Burial will be held in Evergreen Memorial Park, followed by a catered reception at the funeral home.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.