    [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.

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