James Alan Rice

Beloved husband of 61 years to Pauline "Polly" Rice, nee Chauvin, dear father of Kathy (Frank) DiTillo, James, Jr. (Cindy) Rice, Jeanne Marie (Kevin) Kelly, Tom (Diane) Rice; proud Grandad of Theresa (Ken) Joggerst, Lizzy (Ben) Devlin, Nichole DiTillo, John DiTillo, Daniel Rice, Angela Rice, Erin (Justin) McLaury, Tom (Jamie) Mueller, Kevin (Kim) Rice, David (Vivian) Rice, Chris (Amber) Rice, Michael Rice; delighted Great-Grandad of Alex, Tori, Michael, Caleb, Joshua, Bethany, Abby and Issak, and Andrew James on the way, dear brother of Donald E. (late Dorothy) Rice; dear brother-in-law of C. Jeanne Hogan, dear nephew, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend.

Born June 5, 1922 to the late Leaton A. and Katherine (Baker) Rice in Boise, Idaho, Jim grew up in Bonne Terre and Herculaneum, Missouri and raised his family in South County, St. Louis, Missouri. He lived and shared his love of the Lord, and of his country. He instilled in all his children and grandchildren a love of learning and the value of a job well done. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati, he had a long and distinguished career as a metallurgical engineer. Jim was a World War II veteran who served in China, and his rousing rendition of the Chinese National Anthem entertained a great many over the years, including the nursing staff at St. Mary’s in his final days. He loved his monthly game with his poker buddies and, always keeping careful track, “came out ahead” in the end. He always had a smile and ear available to everyone, and an attitude of gratitude. He delighted in telling us (over and over) that he had the best family in the world, and we can only say that we are the blessed ones, who have had the most wonderful husband, brother, Dad, Grandad and Great-Grandad in the world. He will be in our hearts forever.

Services: Friends may call from 4 to 8 pm, Monday March 12, 2012 at Hoffmeister South County Chapel, 1515 Lemay Ferry Rd. St. Louis, Missouri 63125. Funeral services will be held at 12:45 pm, Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at the funeral home. Interment will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri. Condolences may be expressed at www.hoffmeistersouthcounty.com. Memorials appreciated to Oasis International www.oasisinternational.info