John Christopher Rima

1980 - 2010

John Christopher Rima, 30, of Little Rock, Ark., passed away Oct. 20, 2010, following a tragic accident.
He was born in Fairbanks on March 24, 1980, where he lived with his family until he was 10 years old. He had trained as a welder and had just been offered a new job the day he died. He was excited to be starting a new career.
Being born in Alaska was a source of great pride for Chris and he cherished his Alaska roots and family. Scouting was a big part of Chris' adolescence. His father led his troop and they shared many memories, hiking trails, working on projects and attending jamborees. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at 17 and remained proud of this effort. Chris always loved being in the outdoors; going to the lake or floating the Buffalo, fishing with friends and playing golf.
Chris had a generous heart and giving spirit. Whether it was giving pairs of his mittens to kindergarten classmates who couldn't afford them, or spending time with others who were struggling, he always made time to help.
Special prayers of thanks go to the medical staff and the trauma and nursing teams at UAMS, as well as the EMTs and firefighters who cared for him at the scene of the accident. They did an exceptional job in the most difficult of circumstances.
He is survived by his mother, Laura Rule, and her husband, Chris, of Little Rock; and his father, John Rima, and his wife, Vicki, of Hot Springs, Ark.; his sister, Rebecca Rima, of Little Rock; step-siblings, Valerie Threadgill-Dodge and husband, Charles, and their children, Allison, Cade and Bradley, and Chip Threadgill and wife, Christina, and their son, Clayton, of Hot Springs; the light of his life, Avalynn Michelle Rima, 14 months, (mother Ashley Rankin); grandmother, Marilyn Hagberg; aunt, Jane Aston and her daughter, Muriel; uncles, John Hagberg, wife Tina; Robert Hagberg, wife Lucy, and their children Emily and Elliott; Mike Rima, wife Diane, and their son Michael; Tony Rima, wife Barbara, and their children Marjorie, Melissa, Kevin and Mark; Mark Rima, wife Susan, and their sons Mathew and Andrew; Steve and Babe Stephens, of Fairbanks; Tekla Becker, of Anchorage; and Muriel Carmer, of Bellevue, Wash., and all their children and family members.
Chris was preceded in death by Laura B. Wright, great-grandmother; John R. "Bob" Hagberg, grandfather; and great uncles, A.E. "Bud" Hagberg and Einar Hagberg; and his cousin, Stacy Rima.
A funeral service celebrating his life was held Friday, Oct. 22, 2010. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Avalynn Michelle Rima Educational Trust, care of Laura Rule, Trustee, 1819 Alberta Drive, Little Rock, AR 72227.
To leave memories and condolences, visit www.ruebelfuneralhome.com or www.CaringBridge.org and enter chrisrima.