James J. Rice

Worcester-James J. Rice, Sr., 74, passed away on Monday, December 13, 2021 at Rose Monahan Hospice House.


He leaves his loving wife, Adele J. (Duquette) Rice; his daughter, Kimberly A. Etre and her husband, Andrew P. of Worcester; four grandchildren, Caitlin E. Rice, Jordan G. Rice, Sadie R. Etre and Sierra Bourke; his daughter-in-law, Kellie A. (Cleary) Rice of Winchester, NH; two brothers, Robert T. Rice and his wife, Joanne of Spencer Daniel F. Rice and his wife, Rosemary of Florida and many nieces and nephews.


He was predeceased by his loving wife of 44 years, Kathleen M. (Bishop) Rice, his son, James J. Rice, Jr. and his stepmother, Mary L. Callahan Rice.


He was born in Worcester, son of Robert K. and Budd L. (Ducharme) Rice and graduated from St. Peter's High School, class of 1965. Jim proudly served his country for four years in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was a letter carrier for 32 years for the US Postal Service on Grafton Hill, retiring in 2005 and was a member, lector and Eucharistic minister at St. Stephen's Church. In his younger years, he was a little league coach at Tom Ash. He was a member of the Sportsmen's Bowling League for 35 years, the American Legion Post #288, and Branch 12 NALC. Jim also volunteered for 15 years at St. Vincent Hospital and St. Francis Nursing Home. He loved to spend time at Old Orchard Beach with his family. He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Browns. Jim had an ebullient personality, which won him many friends over the years.

The family would also like to thank the wonderful nursing staff from VNA Hospice, especially Paulette, Regina, Kathy and Debbie. You brought peace and comfort in a chaotic time.


Visiting Hours are Sunday, December 19th from 2:00pm until 5:00pm at the Callahan, Fay & Caswell Life Celebration Home, 61 Myrtle St. Worcester. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am on Monday, December 20th at St. Stephen's Church, 357 Grafton St. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Dudley. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Stephen's Restoration Fund or to Veteran's Inc of Worcester.