A funeral service for James R. Rice, Jr., 83, of Utica will be held at 1pm on Tuesday at Law-Baker Funeral Home, 34 N. Main St., Utica with Rev. Marvin Haught officiating. Burial will follow at Newark Memorial Gardens. Military honors will be provided by the Licking County Veteran's Alliance.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8pm on Monday and Tuesday one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Jim passed away on September 6, 2022 at Licking Memorial Hospital. He was born on April 23, 1939 in Newark to the late James R. and Evelyn E. (Beabout) Rice, Sr.

Jim served honorably in the U.S. Army. His pride and joy was his 1951 Chevy truck that he took to car shows. He enjoyed old western movies and was meticulous about his yard.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Jan (Hesson) Rice; daughters, Lynnette Rice, Jannette Rice and Dannette Krugel; six grandchildren, Bryan Crampton, Frances Egan, James Crampton, Robert Crampton, Katie Jenkins and Joshua Krugel; twelve great-grandchildren; sister, Carol Dearman; and his nephew and partner in crime, Joe Bell.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Joyce Selman and Janet Wright; and brother, John Rice.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Rd., Newark, OH 43055.

To sign an online guestbook please visit www.law-bakerfuneralhome.com .