James G. Rice, 78

April 20, 2018

James G. Rice 78 of Lititz passed away on April 20, 2018 at the Lebanon VA Medical Center after a long illness. Born on January 20, 1940 in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Harry and Mildred (Doutrich) Rice. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Constance (Rinier) Rice and a son Anthony Rice, Lititz. Jim was preceded in death by his son James Rice Jr.

Jim was a 1957 graduate of J.P. McCaskey High School where he was an avid sportsman who lettered in soccer, basketball, and baseball. He served in the U.S. Army from 1957-1960 as a member of the Signal Corps stationed in Verona, Italy. After returning to the states, Jim returned to the diamond playing fast-pitch softball for South End and Garvin’s at Farnum Field (now Conlin) for many years. He was a member of the South End team that won the state championship in 1963. Jim’s name is enshrined on the softball plaque located at Garrett Park in Willow Street alongside the area’s best fast-pitch softball players.

Jim was passionate about all sports especially the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles. After the knees gave out, he continued his passion from the sidelines coaching various youth soccer and baseball teams in Lititz. Jim later returned from coaching “retirement” to assist his son’s coaching endeavors in Warwick Little League. Not as if he could ever stay away from what he loved.

Jim was employed by UPS as a driver for 10 years and later worked for Harleysville Insurance as a claims representative for 17 years. Jim finished his career at the Manheim Auto Auction as an estimator before retiring in 2008.
Jim is survived by his sister Eileen (Rice) Bauer, Lancaster, his cousin Gary Ranck (Pam), Maryland, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Private interment will be at Riverview Burial Park.

Memorial contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to the Lebanon VA Medical Center, 1700 South Lincoln Ave, Lebanon, PA 17042.