James Rice

ELIZABETHTOWN,KY/BARRE-  James A. Rice-  Our beloved passed away on August 17, 2025 at the age of 95.

James Allen Rice (Bubba) was born in Petersham, MA to James B. Rice and Alberta (Harty) DiRuzza. He graduated from Barre High School in the Class of 1953. He was a Fireman in the U.S. Navy, serving on the USS Stormes during the Korean War.

After the war, he returned to Barre, where he met the love of his life Carmela A. (Ricchiazzi) Rice, his wife of 70 years. He worked at the Barre Wool Combing Company and raised four children in the Italian section of South Barre. James was the commander of the American Legion Post #2 in Barre and ensured the installation of the memorial flagpole on the Barre Common. He later worked as a licensed electrician and member of the I.B.E.W. Local 96 until retiring to East Falmouth, Massachusetts.

On Cape Cod, he enjoyed many cookouts, holidays, and family gatherings with his children and grandchildren. He was active in retirement, taking daily two-mile walks, raising tomato plants, and reading American history. He was a member of the St. Thomas-A-Becket Church in South Barre and later St. Anthony’s Church in East Falmouth.

James is survived by his wife Carmela A. Rice, his brother George Rodgers, and his four children: Kevin Rice of Leominster, Cheryl Ethier of Boylston, Laurie Beers of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and Jeffrey Rice of Douglas. He is also survived by his two grandchildren, Dr. Heather Beers of Rockland, Maine and Eric S. Beers of Bonnieville, Kentucky, and two great-grandchildren Atticus Beers and Raya Beers. James is predeceased by his parents James B. Rice and Alberta (Harty) DiRuzza, his brother Robert (Bunny) Rice, and sister Marilyn (Rice) Tebow.

The funeral  Mass for James will be held on Saturday September 6, 2025 at 10:00AM in St. Thomas-A-Becket Church Vernon Ave S. Barre. All are asked to go directly to the church. Burial will follow in Glen Valley Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Pillsbury Funeral Home 96 S.Barre Rd. Barre.