On October 6, 2025 James ("Jim") W. Rice of Ballston Spa, NY passed away after a brief illness.  He was 96 years old.  He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 47 years, Virginia ("Ginny") Rice, his brother, Robert ("Bob") E. Rice, of Washington, IL, his brother-in-law Stuart William ("Bill") Seeley, Jr. of Pentwater, MI, sister-in-law Lynn S. Merrill of Grand Rapids, MI, and niece Pamela Merrill Bohn of Grand Rapids, MI. He is survived by son William E. Rice (Deborah) of Kansas City, MO, daughter Sharon L. Mahoney of Ballston Spa, NY and five grandchildren: Nathan Rice, Brandon Rice, Brian Mahoney, Cole Mahoney, and Allie Mahoney.

Jim was born on January 1, 1929 to parents Edward and Mildred Rice in Suffern, NY.  His early years were shaped by his love of sports, especially baseball, and the outdoors.  In 1943 he earned the rank of Eagle Scout.  He would go on to live his life guided by the Scout Law, a set of 12 points describing the values and characteristics a Scout aims to embody: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.

Jim served in the US Army from 1950 to 1952 during the height of the Korean War.  He volunteered to become a paratrooper in spite of the danger.  He was proud to have served in the 11th Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY.  And he was blessed that his unit did not see action in spite of its high state of readiness and effectiveness. God had other plans.

After the Army Jim attended Michigan State University where he would go on to earn a masters degree in communications and television production.  And, it was at MSU where he met the love of his life, Ginny Seeley, on a blind date.  Jim and Ginny married in 1957 and spent nearly 47 wonderful years together before Ginny was called home to Heaven in 2004.

Jim had a passion and enthusiasm for life that was contagious and which lifted up others around him.  He enjoyed visiting with family and friends at home and at the lake house at Lake Champlain. He was active in outdoor activities well into his 90's.

Jim was kind and selfless and served others in a way that no one else could.  To his children and grandchildren, he was a rock.  He always knew just what to say and how to help.  To his friends he was a true friend and the embodiment of the phrase, "A friend in need is a friend indeed."  Jim Rice touched the lives of so many.  He will be greatly missed.

Relatives and friends may call from 4pm to 7pm, Thursday, October 9, 2025 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway (518-584-5373).

The Order For A Requiem Eucharist will be at 11am, Friday October 10, 2025 at the Christ Episcopal Church, 15 West High Street St., Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Burial with military honors will follow at Greenridge Cemetery, Lincoln Ave., Saratoga Springs.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.