James "Jim" R. Rice

James “Jim” R. Rice, age 69, of Harvey, died doing what he loved on Sunday afternoon, October 19, 2025 in Limestone Township when his Gold Wing crossed paths with a deer. He was born on August 4, 1956 in Escanaba to the late James and Mary (Lind) Rice. Jim grew up in Nashville, Michigan on the family farm with the Smith family as neighbors. When not helping on the farm with the animals, he loved playing basketball with friends and in high school. Jim graduated from Maple Valley High School in 1974. He went to Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek and then graduated from Michigan State University in East Lansing with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering. While at State, he continued to play basketball in the intramural leagues. Jim went to work at Ralston Purina in Battle Creek for thirteen years. While there, he reconnected with his old neighbor, Alicia Marie Smith, and they were married on June 18, 1988. Jim and Alicia moved to the Marquette area thirty years ago. He retired from the State of Michigan’s Department of Environmental Quality as an engineer in charge of the drinking water supply over the entire Upper Peninsula. Jim enjoyed his retirement and daily did crossword, sudoku, and any other puzzle from his multiple newspaper subscriptions. He loved working the puzzles and people watching while sitting by the Lake. Jim was an avid sports fan, especially of basketball and football. Chronic illnesses affected Jim, but when he rode his Gold Wing, he felt young and free. He truly was happiest while riding his motorcycle.

He is survived by his loving wife of over thirty-seven years – Alicia Rice of Harvey; his brother – Jeffrey Rice of Lansing; mother-in-law – Alexandra Smith; brothers in law and sisters in law – Mark (Terry) Smith and Mandy (Joel) Tye; and many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Scot Rice, father-in-law Carroll Smith, and brother-in-law Carroll B. Smith.

Services will be held at the Green Street Methodist Church, 209 W. Green Street, Hasting, MI 49058 on Friday, October 24, 2025. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Jim’s high school friend and college roommate, Pastor Bryce Feighner, will conduct Jim’s memorial service at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim’s memory to the Green Street Methodist Church or UPAWS (815 S. State Highway M553, Gwinn, MI 49841.)