James M. Rice, born Nov. 14, 1931, at peace, April 7, 2006 from pneumonia and complications from a long struggle with rheumatoid arthritis. Jim grew up in Fremont, Neb. and served three years in the Coast Guard during the Korean War. He graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor's Degree in English and he did graduate work at the University of Iowa. He was a member of Phi Kappa PSI Fraternity.

He moved to the Northwest and lived in the Des Moines area since 1967. He started his manufacturers representative sales agency, Tek Parts, Inc. in 1973 and he retired in 1994.

He is survived by his wife, Ting, of 48 years, Jami and John Miller, daughter and son-in-law, granddaughters, Kimberly, Brittany and Madeline.

He will be remembered for his love of family and as a "caring paca" (grandfather). He will be greatly missed.

Services will be held at St. Philomena Catholic Church, 1790 South 222nd Street, Des Moines. Rosary, Tuesday, May 2 at 7 p.m. Memorial Mass, Wednesday, May 3 at 11 a.m. Luncheon reception following service in the church hall.

The family suggests memorials be made to a charity of choice, Arthritis Foundation or St. Philomena Catholic Church.