James Rice

James Eugene Rice, 92, of Apex, NC died April 6, 2021 at Transitions Life Care Hospice Home, in Raleigh. A graveside service will be held at Brush Creek Baptist Church, 5345 Airport Road, Bear Creek, NC on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Karen H. Whitaker presiding. The body will lie in state at Joyce-Brady Chapel on Sunday, April 11, 2021 from 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. for friends to sign the register. Attendees are asked to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

James was born in Reidsville, NC on June 15, 1928 to Eugene and Edna Joyce Rice. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the Marine Corp where he passed the USSOPE exam enabling him to graduate in dress uniform with his Reidsville High School classmates. After serving 2 years at the Cherry Point Marine Base as an airplane mechanic, he was accepted at Elon University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in education. He continued his education by earning a Master’s Degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He taught in the public schools for 8 years in Ramseur, NC and Siler City, NC. He served as a High School Principal for 3 years at Silk Hope, NC. From 1964-1987, he was Assistant Director for the Pupil Allotment Program in the Controller’s Office, with the State Board of Education in Raleigh, NC. He was an original member of the North Carolina Teachers Association. He was an active member of Epworth United Methodist Church and served as Sunday School Superintendent and as a Trustee.

James is survived by his wife, Barbara Sides Rice; 3 children, James (Jimmy) Eugene Rice, Jr. and his wife Pamela Haywood Rice, Susan Diane Norton of Leicester, NC and Ronald (Ronnie) Joseph Rice, of New Hill, NC; brother, Floyd Rice, of Asheboro, NC; 2 grandchildren, James Robert Rice and Jennifer Page Rice; niece,  Nancy Stephens, of Cullowhee, NC and 4 great-grandchildren,  Remington, Colton, Rosie and Calleigh.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church, 3002 Hope Valley Road, Durham, NC 27707.

Condolences may be offered online at www.joycebradychapel.com

Joyce-Brady Chapel of Bennett is honored to serve the Rice family.