James Rice

Retired Master Sergeant U.S.M.C. 

     James H. Rice, 85, of Erie, died Sunday, June 26, 2011 at the VA Medical Center.  He was born July 30, 1925 in Erie, son of the late James P. and Edna M. Robinson Rice.  A graduate of Millcreek High School, he had also attended Tech Memorial High School.  He was a career marine achieving the rank of USMC Master Sgt. E-8 and served in WW II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War.  After his retirement from the marines, he worked in maintenance for WSEE TV for four years.  He was a life member of Disabled American Veterans, a Past Exulted Ruler for Elk Lodge No. 67, a Past Commander of VFW Dennis P. Komorek Post No. 435, a member of Vietnam Veterans of America Erie Chapter No. 435, and a former member of the Marine Corp League.
     A daughter, Patricia A. O'Connell, and a brother, Richard Rice, preceded him in death.
     Survivors include his wife, Ann Degner O'Connell Rice; two daughters, Denise Scriven and husband John of Meadville and Deborah Thomas of Law Vegas, NV; seven sons, James A. Rice and wife Lori, Robert O'Connell and wife Donna, David O'Connell, Gary Michael O'Connell and wife Robin, Stephen O'Connell and wife Theresa, Richard L. O'Connell and William P. O'Connell and wife Charlene, all of Erie; two sisters, Wilma Kenny and husband Frank of Erie and Ele Quinn of Livermore, CA; nine grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
     Friends may call Tuesday 3 to 7 p.m. at the Scott Funeral Home, 2104 Myrtle St.  A service will be held at there Wednesday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Bruce Anderson, Chaplain of the VA Medical Center, officiating.  Burial with full military honors conducted by Erie Crawford County Burial Detail will be at Laurel Hill Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.