[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 37 (Tuesday, February 25, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF J. ROGER RICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GEORGE LATIMER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 2025

  Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of James 
Roger Rice, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, attorney, and man 
of deep faith, who went to be with the Lord on February 16, 2025.
  Born on January 1, 1950, in Buffalo, New York, to James Albert Rice 
and Frankie Jones Rice, Roger was raised in a home shaped by Christian 
values, instilled in him by his mother. Roger was a standout student-
athlete at Hutchinson Technical High School in Buffalo, where he 
excelled on the basketball court, earning All-City honors for his skill 
and leadership. He earned a full basketball scholarship to Kings 
College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where he played the game with 
heart, discipline, and excellence--qualities he carried into his career 
and family life. Beyond his own playing, he became a dedicated youth 
basketball coach, pouring into his sons and other youth. For many, he 
was more than a coach; he was a guiding force, building lifelong 
friendships and lasting lessons both on and off the court.
  While pursuing his Juris Doctor degree at the University of Buffalo, 
Roger's life took a beautiful turn when he met Gail, the love of his 
life, on the first day of law school. Their first date was legendary--
crossing borders to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. That fateful 
meeting led to a lifetime of love, partnership, and purpose. They 
married in 1978; two sons were born of this union.
  In 1982, Roger and Gail took a leap of faith, founding their own law 
firm, Rice & Rice, Attorneys-at-Law. Their firm, which later included 
both sons, became a pillar of the community, serving countless clients 
with integrity, wisdom, and compassion. With the founding partners' 
retirement in 2019, Rice & Rice closed after more than 35 years of 
service.
  Roger was a storyteller and no-nonsense advice giver, who could be 
both profoundly wise and hilariously unpredictable, often in the same 
conversation. He was known for his affectionate teasing and clever 
nicknames. He loved food, music, movies, and showing off his dance 
moves. Above all, Roger was a family man. He took immense pride in the 
achievements of his wife, children, and grandchildren, celebrating 
their victories and supporting them in every endeavor. His love for his 
family was unwavering, and his presence was a source of strength, 
encouragement, and wisdom.
  Roger's faith was central to who he was, and he often spoke about the 
help, direction, and friendship of the Holy Spirit in pivotal moments 
of his life. After his marriage, he became a member of Shiloh Baptist 
Church of Tuckahoe where he was ordained as a deacon. Over the years, 
he also worshiped at Bethesda Baptist Church of New Rochelle, and, 
until the time of his passing, was a founding member of Renaissance 
Church in Harlem. His commitment to his faith was evident in how he 
lived serving his community, mentoring others, and walking in 
integrity. Roger was pre-deceased by his parents Frankie and James 
Rice; brother Lawrence C. Brown; sister Frances Marshall; daughter-in-
love, Danielle Williams Rice; and his parents-in-love, Mabel and Herman 
Whitaker.
  He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, cherished by his 
wife, Gail Rice; his sons, Jared and Jordan Rice; his daughter-in-love, 
Jasmine and Jessica Rice; and his treasured grandchildren, Jocelyn, 
Jayden, Jameson, and Josiah Rice. He is also survived by his siblings-
in-love Sandra and Glen McGhee, Quincy and Gail Brooks, and Joyce and 
Keno Johnson, and Margo Clarke; uncles and aunt Prince Allen Whetstone 
and Arnold and Esther Brooks; nieces and nephews Paula and Charles 
Barber, Spencer and Helen Rodriguez, Luis, Alexander, and Jasmine 
Rodriguez, Taila and Edward Faustin, and Darren and Christine Brooks. 
Additionally, a host of great-nieces and nephews, cousins, extended 
family members, friends, colleagues and Rice & Rice family, and former 
clients who will forever remember his kindness, wisdom, and generosity.
  Roger Rice was well-loved and lived well. He will be deeply missed, 
but his footprint will endure forever in New York's 16th Congressional 
District.

                          ____________________