James Paul Rice

Happy Birthday Dad!!!!
On a beautiful summer afternoon, Wednesday, June 6, 2018, after suffering for several years with Dementia, James Paul Rice broke his earthly mortal bonds and graduated into eternity peacefully and lovingly while in the arms of his devoted son and Caretaker Extraordinaire, Ron Rice and also his dear loving friend Linda Ptaschinski.
Jim was born to humble beginnings in Pineville, Kentucky on June 17, 1930, to Curtis Paul and Lela Beatrice Robbins Rice.
Jim was the Quarterback for his high school and also went to work with his uncles at Standard Oil. When Jim became of age, he joined the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War. After serving in Alaska, Jim was then transferred to The San Francisco Bay Area. It was while stationed in California where he met Carolyn Lee. They were married on November 14, 1951. Shortly after they were married Jim and Carolyn were transferred to Okinawa, Japan and then finally New Jersey. When Jim finished finished his tour in the army, he and Carolyn settled down in Salt Lake City, Utah. Together they had 8 children. and raised them in the Cottonwood area, where Jim and Carolyn stayed the remainder of their lives.
Jim was a Salesman all his life and had a fun sense of humor. He loved to tease people and always try to sell them something. He had a sweet crooked smile and twinkling eyes that made everyone fall in love with him. Jim loved to tell stories and joke with people. His stories and jokes were legendary. He was still telling his stories to people right up until the last day of his life. He will be sorely missed by all, but we rejoice that now he is free.
Jim is survived by his sister, Ethel Freeze, 1 daughter, Ann Mecham; and 5 sons, Ron, Scott, Mark, Wade & Dale Rice. He was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn, his parents, and 4 sisters: Lela Gibson, Eva Cox, Betty Leger, Julia Meyers; 2 brothers: Raymond and Birchel Rice; and 2 sons: Tom & Paul Rice.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, June 20, 2018, 12:00pm, at The Big Cottonwood Stake Center, 1750 East Spring Lane, Holladay, Utah. There will be a viewing the night before on Tuesday, June 19, 2018, from 6-8pm, at The Holladay/Cottonwood Mortuary, 4670 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah; and also on Wednesday morning at the church 10:30 – 11:45am. Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Thank you to all of the many, many amazing caregivers and friends that have been so good to Jim over the past 5 years. A special thank you to Omar Salinas and Cindy Panella at Silverado for loving Jim so much the last year of his life. It was all your incredible care and joy that enriched his life and brightened his soul right to the very end. Our Funny Fellow… It’s been quite a journey!!!
Service Information
Viewing June 19, 2018 at 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Memorial Holladay-Cottonwood Mortuary, 4670 S Highland Drive, Holladay, Utah 84117





Viewing June 20, 2018 at
The Big Cottonwood Stake Center, 1750 East Spring Lane, Holladay, Utah





Funeral Service
June 20, 2018 at 11:00 AM
The Big Cottonwood Stake Center, 1750 East Spring Lane, Holladay, Utah