Virginia Beach-
James J. “Jim” Rice, 73, passed away peacefully December 14, 2013 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family.
A native of Deep River, CT, he made his home in Tidewater, Virginia after he joined the military.
Jim served his country proudly as a Chief Boatswain’s Mate in the U.S. Navy, retiring with over 20 years of dedicated service. He was a veteran of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War, serving aboard the PBRs, patrolling the rivers in Vietnam.
Jim was an avid Redskins fan, enjoyed country music and Nascar, as well as dinners out with his family.
He is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 51 years, Myrtle; daughter Rene and her husband, David Thomas of Texas; son Joe and his wife, Patty; daughter Kelly and her husband, Roy Whitehouse; as well as four grandchildren, Craig, Bailey, Hunter, and Conner; and his sister Joan Johnson of Vermont; as well as many other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Angel Whitehouse.
A celebration of life will be held at 7:00 pm, Monday, December 23, 2013 at Family Choice Funerals & Cremations. 5401 Indian River Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23464.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm, Thursday, December 26, 2013 at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk with full military honors, followed by a reception at the Rice Home.
Jim was loved by everyone who knew him and will be dearly missed by his family and friends. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s honor to the veterans charity of your choice. Friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.FamilyChoiceFunerals.com
It is with a heavy heart I send my deepest symphathy to my extended family of many years for the loss of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, father in law and friend. He was a man of few words when you first met him but once he got to know you and liked you then you could spend many hours engaged in conversation.
We shared a love for the Redskins which left us broken hearted over many years but we had some good years too.
Jim’s passing leaves us with an empty spot in our hearts but as all of us know his quality of life had dwindled considerably as of late and he is now able to rest peacefully. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, asking God to comfort you through this time of deep sadness.
Fair winds and following seas Chief Rice we will miss you.