James I. Rice Obituary
There will be an informal family gathering at a later date. Jim and Marilyn will be laid to rest at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Park Village Pines, in c/o the funeral home.
Age 95, passed away in Kalamazoo on Monday evening, January 8, 2024. Jim was born in Rollin, MI on August 13, 1928, the son of Ivan and Iva (Kuhn) Rice. On December 27, 1966, Jim married Marilyn Dougherty Bradstreet who preceded him in death in 1997. He proudly served his nation in the United States Army. Jim was a long-time educator with the Adrian Public Schools, where he taught industrial arts and elementary music. He was a saddle maker and loved working with leather. He made a saddle and presented it in person to President George W. Bush during a presidential visit to Grand Rapids. He was a lover of animals and had a variety of animals on his farm. Nothing was more important to him than his grandchildren and he loved having them visit him on the farm. Jim is survived by his stepchildren, John Bradstreet of Dallas, TX, Steve (Pat) Bradstreet of Kalamazoo, Mark (Carrie) Bradstreet of Grandville; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Jerold Rice of Clayton, MI; niece, Joy (Dan) Ollier; nephew, Jim (Diane) Rice; and many, many friends. Besides his wife, Jim was preceded in death by his parents.
