Jackie Theresa Milner-Rice

My dear wife of 56 years, Jackie Theresa Milner-Rice, went to be with Jesus on Monday, November 24, 2025. She departed peacefully with her family by her side, holding her hands and giving her hugs. She was 75 years old.

Jackie was the oldest of four children born to Jack and Mary Milner. She came to Phoenix when she was five years old. She attended Andalucia Elementary School; and was an Alhambra Lion graduating with the class of 1968. Jackie and I lived down the street from one another and began a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship in 1963 when Jackie was in the eighth grade, and I was a freshman at Alhambra High School. After high school, Jackie worked at Motorola, saving money for our marriage. On June 13, 1969, we were married. Jackie continued working at Motorola until she gave birth to our daughter, Jamie, in April of 1971. Two years later, she gave birth to Jason on April 16, 1973, the same day Jamie was born. Jackie always told me she was a better planner! Jackie worked as a Medical Assistant in Dr. Rumbha's pediatrician's office for 28 years. She was lovingly known as Nurse Jackie, serving and inoculating hundreds of children. All the kids loved her, and parents requested Nurse Jackie during their appointments with Dr. Rumbha.

Jackie was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother of three grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Jackie loved celebrating all her family members' birthdays, making them special events. Jackie was happiest when all the family members came to our house to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. She loved vacationing in San Diego with the family and shopping along the boardwalk and Seaport Village. Jackie had a quiet spirit, but showed her friendship and love through her kindness and smile for all.

Jackie loved her Chocolate Labrador, Maisie. Each evening, Maisie could be found asleep with her head on Jackie's lap.

The family finds comfort knowing Jackie will be welcomed to heaven by her son Jason, parents, brother Joe, and many other family members.

Jackie is survived by her husband, Jim; her daughter, Jamie Williams; her sister, Ginny Franklin; and her brother, John (Linda) Milner. She was preceded in death by her son, Jason Rice (who passed on September 29, 2025) and her brother, Joe Milner. She also leaves behind her loved grandchildren: Tanner Williams, Marlee Young, and Hannah Williams; her great-granddaughter, Abbie Young; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved her dearly, and her best friend, Karyn Everson Dexter Larsen.

A Celebration of Life service will be held January 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Horizon Community Church, located at 14120 N. 79th Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85381. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to one of our chosen charitable organizations:

Alhambra Foundation for the Future https://www.alhambraesd.org/o/aesd/page/scholarship-donation

Canyon Rising Scholarship Program, Grand Canyon University https://giving.gcu.edu/student-support/sis/

Delivering Dreams of Arizona https://deliveringdreamsaz.networkforgood.com/projects/145334-arizona-charitable-tax-credit