James Walter Rice

James Walter Rice,

83, died at 12:15 pm on March 8, 2021, surrounded by his family.

Jim was born December 9th, 1937 at St. Rita’s Hospital in Lima, Ohio, to the late Vernon and Naomi (Flager) Rice. He married the love of his life, the late Linda J. (Widmark) Rice, on June 19, 1960.

He is survived by two sons: Bruce (Darla) Rice of Spencerville, Ohio; Greg (Anna) Rice of Spencerville, OH; a daughter, Laura (Jeff) Mears of Cridersville, OH; seven grandchildren: Kortinae (Eric) Wenning, Jennifer Mears, Jessica Mears, Nathan Rice, Erica Hood, Brannon Rice, and Jonah Rice; and three great-grandchildren: Gunner Hood, Carter Hood and Krew Rice. His is also survived by two brothers: Mike (Maryann) Rice; David (Donna) Rice; and a sister, Mary Ann (Phil) Valentine.

Jim graduated from Indian Lake High School in 1957. After high school he went to work for Ohio Power where he remained for 42 years. He loved being a lineman and working for Ohio Power (AEP),he always told stories of all the good times he had. Jim enjoyed spending time with family and rooting for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team.

His family will receive friends on Friday, March 12, 2021 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, where a funeral will follow at 12 p.m. Rev. Bryan Bucher will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rita’s Hospice. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com