James E Rice

James Elton Rice (Jim) passed away peacefully on December 1, 2011 after a long illness. He was born in Kuttawa, Kentucky. Jim lived most of his adult life in White Plains, NY. He was predeceased by his wife, Toretha (Benberry) Rice (2008). He is survived by his children, Belinda, Jerry, Melba, Yolanda, Aleta, Darron and Lorenzo; his brother, Henry (Virginia) Rice; his sisters-in-law, Rachel (Charles) Willis, Geneva Benberry-Rice, Janice Benberry and brother-in-law, Archie (Doris) Benberry; also survived by grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, his devoted family friend John Delgado and many other relatives and friends. Predeceased by his sisters, Shirley Temple, Tressa Edmundson and brother, Ralph Rice. Jim served in the Air Force during the Korean War. In his early days, he played for the NY Giants. He was a member of Ridgeview Congregational Church and worked tirelessly on their behalf. He started the first community center for teens in White Plains, known as the COLA HOUSE. Jim retired from Westchester County as Assistant Deputy of Operations in Public Works and as Superintendent of Solid Waste for the Village of Scarsdale. He owned two businesses and was an Environmental Consultant. He loved his family, his church, his jazz family and his community. His two passions were jazz and the Kentucky Derby. He was a founding member of the Presbyterian Jazz Club. Friends may call at the Ballard-Durand Funeral Home, 2 Maple Ave, White Plains, NY on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The Homegoing Service will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at Ridgeview Congregational Church, 12 Ridgeview Ave, White Plains, New York. Viewing from 10-11AM; service will begin at 11AM.