James “Jim” Harold Rice Jr. died peacefully at home on Friday, August 23, 2024 at age 76. He was born in 1948 to James Harold Rice Sr. and Addie Beauboeuf Rice at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS. He graduated from Gulfport High School and studied music at the University of North Texas, and University of Southern Mississippi where he received a BA in music. After graduation, he joined the US Air Force Band in Europe and was stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany and Tacoma, WA. Following his military service, he earned an MBA at University of Southern Mississippi and a BSN at University of South Alabama. Throughout his professional career, he worked in hospital administration, healthcare IT and quality improvement, and nursing in hospitals throughout Mississippi and Texas.
Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. His life was marked by a spirit of kindness and humility, and he was deeply passionate about his Christian faith often sharing his love of Jesus with others. He was a dedicated member of Temple Baptist Church, volunteering his time with auto ministry, prayer ministry and Longleaf Urban Ministry.
He was also a talented musician who played the woodwind instruments beautifully including the saxophone, oboe, clarinet and flute. An avid cyclist, he exhibited strength and endurance throughout his life even after his severe stroke in 2021. Throughout his illness, he remained motivated, good humored and grateful to everyone around him.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Elizabeth Rice Hood. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Sharon Flanagan Rice, two daughters, Katherine “Adele” Rice-Debattista and Eleanor “Mimi” (Victor) Henken and two step children, Trey Moran and DeSha (Frank) Moran Moody. Two brothers, William (Fran) Rice and John (Suzanne) Rice and nine grandchildren including Aubrey (Brandon) Moody Blenden, Luciana Elizabeth Debattista, Cennie Rice Debattista, Taylor Ellis Moody, Louis Kleatu Debattista, Amri Lynn Moran, Eleanor Grace Henken, Camilla Margaret Henken and AnaSha Grace Moody along with beloved aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
There will be a funeral service for Jim at Temple Baptist Church in Hattiesburg on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 12:00pm. Friends may visit with the family from 10:30 until service time. Jim will be laid to rest in Biloxi National Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be made to the Temple Baptist Church Orchestra or charities of your choice.
