James "Jim" A. Rice

James A. (Jim) Rice, age 80, of Waupaca, went to his heavenly home on Monday, December 19th, 2022. He was born in New London on September 19, 1942, a son of the late William and Elba (Haight) Rice. He graduated from New London High School in 1960. He joined the National Guard after graduation. On December 11, 1965 he married Candice Kuehl. Together they had 2 children, Tammy and Todd. Candice preceded him in death on July 27, 1973. In 1975, he met Judy Johnson and they shared 32 years together. They enjoyed going to the horse races in Arlington and trips to Vegas. She preceded him in death on December 14, 2007. In 1964 he began his career with the state of Wisconsin. He started in Peninsula State Park and in 1968 he became a Conservation Warden, until his retirement in 2000. He loved his family dearly and was very proud of his children and grandchildren. Jim enjoyed spending time with them at the cottage. He really enjoyed playing cards. Even down to his last week, he had friends pick him up to play cribbage on Thursdays and sheepshead on Fridays. He enjoyed everything outdoors - fishing, hunting and trapping. He was also an avid sports fan of all Wisconsin teams. Jim was a member of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Waupaca. He is survived by his Children: Tammy (Chris) Ebert, Weyauwega, WI; Todd (Special Friend - Wanda Ort) Rice, Weyauwega, WI; Grandchildren: Ben (Amy) Ebert; Aaron Ebert; Ryan (Dakota) Ebert; Julia Rice; Jaden Rice; Brother: Dan (Lovana) Rice; Judy's Sister: Susan (Eric) Brehmer. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, William and Elba, his wife - Candice and her parents - Eleanor Neuman and Lewis Kuehl, an older brother, Tommy, and his fiancé - Judy Johnson. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Waupaca at 11 AM on Thursday, December 22nd, 2022, with Father Xavier Santiago, officiating. Interment will be at a later date at Most Precious Blood Cemetery in New London. Visitation will be held on Thursday, from 9 AM until the time of the service at the church. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Bethany Home for the care he received there, the people who picked him up for cards and Peggy, for making his time at Bethany Home enjoyable.

James "Jim" A. Rice

September 19, 1942 - December 19, 2022