James W. Rice, 80, of Greeley, passed away Saturday, August 21, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born December 12, 1940 in Greeley to William D. and Jean V. (Cook) Rice. He married Ronna Stumpf on September 8, 1963 in Sterling, Colorado.
Jim was a life-long resident of Greeley. He graduated from Greeley High School in 1959. He spent six (6) years in the Air National Guard, which he enlisted in 1963.
Jim joined his father, grandfather, and uncle fulltime after high school in the family business, Rice’s Lucky Clover Honey, which was started by his grandfather in 1924. He began working there when he was 12 years old as a beekeeper and honey packer.
He was a very hard worker and honorable businessman. Over the decades, Jim established relationships with beekeeper families throughout the United States. He committed to producing high quality, premium, raw, and unfiltered U.S. honey.
Jim loved all sports, especially the Denver Broncos. He enjoyed playing golf with friends. He was a member of the Greeley Jaycees, the Elks and was a Deacon in his church, First Congregational Church of Greeley.
He was a kind and loving husband to Ronna, as well as an amazing father and grandparent. He took extreme pride in his family. He would attend all their activities from choir, theater performances as well as numerous sporting events from peewee to professional.
He loved to travel with his family in which created magical memories over the years.
Jim passed away due to cancer. Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, Jim managed his illness with strength and grace, and wanted to spend as much time with his loved ones as possible.
Jim is survived by his wife Ronna of Greeley; sons Mike (Sydney) Rice of Windsor, and Scott (Holly) Rice of Broomfield; daughter Julie (Mike) Lordemann of Eaton; grandchildren Ashley (Paul) Hiller, Brittney (Logan) Hood and Caeley Lordemann, Kenley and Chase Rice, Hannah, Hadley, and Harper Hageseth; great grandchildren Avery Hiller and Marlee and Josephine Hood; sister Nancy Sherrill of Byers; sister-in-law Tamra (Roger) Stumpf-Fowler of Greeley; brother-in-law Gordon (Pam) Stumpf of Sterling, as well as numerous Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Joan Spangler.
Jim’s favorite saying was ‘Bee happy’ and this is exactly how he choose to live.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, August 25, 2021, 5:00 pm-7:00 pm at Allnutt Funeral Service, Macy Chapel, 6521 W 20th St., Greeley. Church service will be held Thursday, August 26, 2021, at 12:00 pm at Christ Community Church of Greeley, 1301 15th Street, Greeley, with a viewing starting at 11:15 am. Luncheon following the church service at Zoe’s Café & Events, 715 10th Street, Greeley. Private interment at Linn Grove Cemetery.
Should family and friends desire, memorial contributions to the following: Please make checks payable to “Ronna Rice – Bee Kind” and mail the check to: Merrill Lynch, c/o The Klassen Group, 370 17th Street, Suite 4940, Denver, CO 80202. Please send cash donations via Venmo to @Mike-Lordemann with the note “Bee Kind”.
To share memories and condolences please visit Allnuttgreeley.com.
