John Evans Rice

John "Jack" Evans Rice passed away on Monday, April 23rd in Raleigh. He was born on September 22nd, 1947 in Columbia, South Carolina to Elisabeth Evans Rice and the late Dr. John C. Rice. Jack was a long time resident of Raleigh, spending most of his adult life in his home in Boylan Heights. Jack became and Eagle Scout at the age of 15 and graduated from Enloe High School in 1965. He earned his degree in architecture from the NCSU School of Design in 1971. In 1972 he moved his young family to California where he received his Masters in Design at UCLA.

Jack was an accomplished architect and designer. However, what set Jack apart was his ability to partner with others to convert plans to completed projects. He had a deep understanding of construction. Jack had a remarkable ability to work collaboratively with planners, city officials, other architects, contractors and artisans. In his jeans, on a job site, talking with a contractor and subs, Jack was in his element. No less so, however, than when he was serving on and chairing the Raleigh planning commission in the 80’s. Jack formed JERA Inc. in 1978. While his practice was diverse, Jack was recognized as exceptionally able in designing apartments, and affordable apartments, particularly. Shortly before his final illness, Jack led the design team that worked with the board of directors and management of the Raleigh Interchurch Housing Corporation in connection with the major and on-going renovation of the 100 unit RICH Park Apartments on Method Road in Raleigh. Jack worked tirelessly on that project and will be sorely missed by his colleagues. .

Jack was not only a talented architect. He was an excellent cook and an accomplished gardener. He loved all things oriental, especially Japanese gardens and cuisine. Jack enjoyed fishing in the ocean. In fact, one of his prized possessions was a 350 pound blue marlin that he landed in Oregon inlet in 1983. He had a large extended family and many friends with whom he enjoyed spending time.

Jack is survived by his mother Elisabeth E. Rice (Raleigh), wife, Patricia Beaman Rice (home), son William C. Rice and wife Samantha O. Rice (Beaufort, NC), grandchildren: Alexander H. Rice, Katherine J. Rice, Daniel Evans Rice, and Jonathan N. Rice (Beaufort, NC), sister Sharon R. Gates (Mt. Airy, NC), brother Robert A. Rice (Tacoma Park, MD), sister, Catherine R. Parker and husband R.L. Parker (Apex, NC) and nieces Elisabeth E. Rice Gates, Virginia Rice Gates Lanier, Anika May Rice, Elisabeth Elaine Parker, step children Kristen Mac Allister, Robyn Miller and husband Todd Miller, John Cawiezell, and Jake Cawiezell and many aunts, uncles, and cousins throughout the United States.

A memorial will be held to celebrate Jack's life on Saturday, May 19th at the A. E. Finley Rooftop which is located at the J. C. Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh at 3 o'clock.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Wake County, 200 Hospice Circle, Raleigh NC 27607.

Jack was a loving, generous, creative, intelligent and forgiving man who is missed immensely by his family, friends, and colleagues.