James “Jim” Michael Rice

James "Jim" Michael Rice passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous 20-year battle with COPD.

Jim was born October 12, 1957, in Rhinelander, to Loyal and Leone (Davis) Rice. He grew up in Rhinelander where he attended St. Joe’s Catholic School and RHS, graduating in 1976. He married Sara Manning on July 23, 1977, and together they raised two daughters Jamie Rice-Heckendorf and Beth Winters.

Jim was first and foremost a loving husband, amazing father & grandfather, brother, and favorite uncle. He loved his family and enjoyed being surrounded by them, especially his great-grandnephew and best buddy, Carter.

Jim worked at Printpack, primarily as a press operator, for 34 years, retiring in 2012. He counted many of his coworkers as friends and could often be found hanging out with them for a beer or two at the end of the week.

In 2012 Jim joined the Board of Directors for Camp Birchrock and was elected treasurer in 2013, where he served until his passing. He loved being involved in camp, from helping at camp to working alongside the team, especially Steve Sauer whom he considered his bonus son.

Jim was an avid sports fan. He loved the Wisconsin Badgers, Hodags and Brewers. He spent many nights at Hodag basketball games, where he was a regular fixture behind the bench. Saturdays were for watching Badgers football and he especially enjoyed watching Badgers basketball. He also enjoyed trivia nights at the Northwestern.

Jim is survived by his wife Sara, daughter Jamie and son-in-law Michael Heckendorf, daughter Beth, bonus son, Steve (Erica) Sauer, former son-in-law, Mathew Winters, and grandchildren, Drake and April Winters. He is further survived by his brothers and sister, Eugene (Dorothy) Rice, Ronald Rice, Richard (Ana) Rice, Mary Lou Rice (Jim Gorski), and Jack (Laurie) Rice, his sisters-in-law, Lollie Perlberg, Emmy (Denny) Nitzel, and Jennifer Manning, as well as many nieces and nephews (three generations worth), and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife’s parents, Harmon and Jane (Eddy) Manning, his sister, Beverly Wilmot, in-laws, Dave Wilmot, Joanne Rice, Penny and Donny Krouze, Jack Perlberg, Joan Kucharski and nephew-in-law, George Allen.

The family wishes to thank Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice, especially his nurse Jennifer, as well as his dedicated medical team.

The visitation for Jim will take place on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the Hildebrand Funeral Home in Rhinelander, from 10 a.m. until the 12 p.m. memorial service. Pastor Daniel Tyler will officiate.

A luncheon will follow at the Rhinelander Masonic Lodge.

The family invites you to dress casually in your favorite Wisconsin Badgers, Hodags or Brewers gear to honor Jim.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to sign the guestbook or leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.