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James Rice Obituary
Peninsula - James Aaron Rice, age 37, left us on February 24th, 2016. He was an amazing husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He attended Old Dominion University, was a lifelong fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, but lovingly adopted his wife Ramona's beloved University of Virginia Wahoos. Together they have two children, Anderson James, age 9 and Addison Joy age 7, who love their father very much.
James is also survived by his mother, Felicita Rice; his father, Jim Rice; his sister Shannon Rice; his brother Nicholas Rice along with his wife, Ida and their two children. He was preceded in death by his best friend and the godfather of his children Matthew Keenan in July 2015. James also leaves numerous family, friends, and colleagues who have been unbelievably supportive to his family.
The family wishes for anyone who can to join us in a celebration of James' life on Tuesday March 1st. The visitation will be from 6:00pm - 7:00pm and the funeral service at 7:30pm both at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hampton, VA. Please dress comfortably as James would want everyone attending to just be themselves. Any donations in James' memory may be made to the Gloria Dei Memorial Fund for the Boy Scouts of America.
Arrangements are by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Rice
Sponsored by the family.
Maggie Walker
February 25, 2019
James, it is so hard to believe that it has been two years since you departed. May you rest in peace. I know you are watching over Mona, Addie and AJ from heaven above. You will forever be missed and loved by your family and friends. Maggie Walker
Carol Neff
March 3, 2016
I didn't know James that well but can say what a great big Teddy Bear of a guy he was. When I did see him it appeared he was a great father and a great husband. I feel for his 2 little kids, his Wife Mona, Lynn, Rick and the rest of his family and friends. Life without him will no doubt be hard and he will be missed. But Thank God for the memories you have had with him that you can cherish.
Somewhere down the road it will start to get easier day by day. It's hard to say when that will be but in the meantime I pray you all stay strong, stay close and love one another to help you get through this. And most of all keep your faith in God.
With much love, Carol
March 2, 2016
Our Condolences goes out to the entire Rice family we are so sorry for your loss. Jimmy use spent the night at my house as a child playing with my son Bryan. It was such a pleasure to see him grow up to be a fine young man. I would get so excited when he would bring his kids to my house for Trick -or Treat. May you rest in peace.
The Parents of Bryan Clinton
March 2, 2016
what a sad, sad thing when you loose your child, husband, father, brother. He was a very good person. He will be missed terribly. Rest in Peace Jimmy.
Sharon Crews
March 1, 2016
May God Bless you all during this time. I know he will forever be in many hearts. Sounds like he had a short but amazing life. Peace be with the Rice family as the days to come will be difficult. I will continue to pray for you.
Thomas P Allen
March 1, 2016
Rest In Peace Jimmy!
Frank and Rebecca Grossman
February 29, 2016
Wish we could be there to celebrate James' life. I'm sure the church will be packed with those he touched. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Frank and Rebecca
February 29, 2016
The "Gentle Giant". We'll never forget him.
RIP Jimmy.
Dave and Sonia(Ti-Ti) Emmons
Maggie Walker
February 28, 2016
James Rice truly was a unique individual who always placed his family first in life. Mona, we're keeping you and your beloved children Addie and AJ in our prayers. May God wrap His loving arms of comfort around you today and every day to come, amen.
Virginia Lewis
February 28, 2016
Ramona, I am in Nashville Tn for the week or I would be there to support you. I loved the posts of your Wahoo adventures with James and your family pictures with the tiny humans. What a blessing to have shared his life with you.Virginia Lewis
Rob Roides
February 28, 2016
I only had the fortune to meet James a few times with CW. But he was so smart and funny and he enjoyed spending his Saturdays with us. We will miss him!
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R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home - Hampton245 South Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23669
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