(Formerly of Central Minnesota)
Jim Rice, 62, unexpectedly passed away in his Sun City, AZ home. Sun City, AZ Minke Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. A Celebration of Life Ceremony in Minnesota is being planned for October 2026.
Jim was born on 26 February 1964 in Willmar, MN to William A. Rice & Betty Mae (Haugen) Rice. He spent the majority of his life in Central Minnesota, graduating with Honors from St. Cloud Tech High School, and attending St. Cloud State University earning a B.S. in Finance & Economics.
While in college, he met the love of his live, Patricia (Dosch) Rice. They married in 1986 and just celebrated their fortieth anniversary. Upon his marriage, Jim & Patti spent the next several years establishing careers in Phoenix, AZ as well as Houston, TX. Upon moving to St. Cloud, Jim, took on his first administrative role as the Assistant Director of Financial Aid. For the next thirty-seven years, Jim worked as a Financial Aid Director, first at St. Cloud Technical College, as an Assistant, and later, at Ridgewater College as the Director of Financial Aid. Jim was a true “Warrior.” He loved his job with its leadership opportunities, welcoming community, and phenomenal colleagues. Ridgewater was more than just a job, it was home! Jim remained at Ridgewater until his retirement.
In 1993, son, William (Willie) Rice arrived. Jim said the, “best job he ever had was being a father!” Willie was the light of his life! He loved being a father, taking every chance to share his passions of nature and golf with his son! No matter what it was, if it was outdoors, Jim and Willie did it together! Moving to Cold Spring, brought Jim closer to his own childhood roots with its small town vibes; Jim reveled in being a “Spartan.” Moving to the larger locale of Sun City, AZ after retirement brought mixed emotions.
Along with his wife and son, Jim is survived by sister, DeAnn, and brothers, Craig (Sharon), John (Carol), aunts (Mariel Haugen & Mina Stanley), nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Jim was preceded in death by both parents (William & Betty Rice), uncle (Roger Haugen), and both grandparents.
