Obituary for James J Rice
With great sadness, we announce that James Joseph Rice, 58, passed away on September 3, 2023, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer. We know he will be greeted in heaven by his father, James, who predeceased him. Jimmy was born on November 14, 1964, and lived in Rocky Hill. He was the beloved son of Bonnie and the late James Rice. Jimmy was the kindest soul and always had a strong but quiet, caring way. After attending South Catholic and Rocky Hill High School, Jimmy joined the United States Marine Corps at age 18. He graduated at the top of his class at Parris Island basic training and was selected for one of the most difficult roles- Brig Guard (prison) serving in both Camp LeJeune, NC and Okinawa, Japan. Jimmy was incredibly proud to have served his country and was one tough Marine Lance Corporal. He was a member of LIUNA Local 230 in which he was employed by Savin Brothers, Balf and retired from Tilcon after 35 years. Jimmy loved his family and friends. He took great care of his parents as they got older and was often called the unsung hero because he never wanted the praise or recognition. He enjoyed all sports, but he especially loved watching the NY Yankees and the NY Giants. He knew every stat of every game he had ever watched and would “occasionally” place a wager on his teams or the horse races. His favorite time of year was football season.
Besides his loving mother, Jimmy leaves behind, his brother Dan Rice of Miami, Florida, his sister Kathleen Fraser, his brother-in-law, Scott Fraser and his cherished nieces, Morgan and Courtney Fraser of Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Jimmy also leaves behind his many cousins and a dear Aunt, his two Godchildren, Brock James Kelly & Gabriel D. Aubin.
If a person’s wealth could be measured in friends, Jimmy was indeed a very rich man. He leaves behind the greatest collection of friends, all of whom were with him in his final days, including his lifelong friend from kindergarten, Shawn Kelly.
Jimmy’s family would like to thank the St. Francis Hospital nursing staff on floor 6 as well as Dr. Donadio and her team at The Smilow Cancer Center for their compassionate care especially Jimmy’s favorite nurse, Amy.
Semper Fi Jimmy, until we meet again.
Friends and family may call on the Rice family on Thursday, September 7th at Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Road Wethersfield, CT from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Jimmy’s life will be held on Friday, September 8th at 11:00am in St. James Church of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish, 767 Elm Street, Rocky Hill, CT. All attendees are asked to go directly to church. Burial will full military honors to follow in Rose Hill Memorial Park, 580 Elm Street, Rocky Hill, CT. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or National Kidney Foundation, 3000 Whitney Ave. #121 Hamden, CT 06518. To extend condolences, or for further information, please visit FarleySullivan.com.
Besides his loving mother, Jimmy leaves behind, his brother Dan Rice of Miami, Florida, his sister Kathleen Fraser, his brother-in-law, Scott Fraser and his cherished nieces, Morgan and Courtney Fraser of Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Jimmy also leaves behind his many cousins and a dear Aunt, his two Godchildren, Brock James Kelly & Gabriel D. Aubin.
If a person’s wealth could be measured in friends, Jimmy was indeed a very rich man. He leaves behind the greatest collection of friends, all of whom were with him in his final days, including his lifelong friend from kindergarten, Shawn Kelly.
Jimmy’s family would like to thank the St. Francis Hospital nursing staff on floor 6 as well as Dr. Donadio and her team at The Smilow Cancer Center for their compassionate care especially Jimmy’s favorite nurse, Amy.
Semper Fi Jimmy, until we meet again.
Friends and family may call on the Rice family on Thursday, September 7th at Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Road Wethersfield, CT from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Jimmy’s life will be held on Friday, September 8th at 11:00am in St. James Church of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish, 767 Elm Street, Rocky Hill, CT. All attendees are asked to go directly to church. Burial will full military honors to follow in Rose Hill Memorial Park, 580 Elm Street, Rocky Hill, CT. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or National Kidney Foundation, 3000 Whitney Ave. #121 Hamden, CT 06518. To extend condolences, or for further information, please visit FarleySullivan.com.