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James 'Jim' G. Rice
JAMES "JIM" G. RICE
Iowa City
James "Jim" G. Rice, died at 74 years old, in his home on Jan. 2, 2021, by planned self-administered euthanasia.
He was born on June 18, 1946, in Columbia Mo. Jim had a B.A. degree from Macalester College, a Master's degree in Library and Information Science from Indiana University, and a Ph.D. degree in Education from the University of Missouri. During his life, he worked in a variety of Jobs, but especially as a social worker, a librarian, and a teacher. During the bulk of his career, he was on the faculty of the School of Library and Information Science at the University of lowa. He published two books and numerous journal articles in his field. He retired in 1997 and did a variety of volunteer work in several agencies.
Jim was a pacifist and voluntarily worked for two years as a government social worker during the Vietnam war, earning conscientious objection status. He was an atheist. He held a deep commitment to the belief that extremely fortunate people such as himself should atone for their random and largely unearned preferential place in the universe by living minimally and giving generously to the vast majority of people in the world who are undeservedly far less advantaged. He was proud of his achievements, but he knew that they were almost entirely attributable to the completely accidental good fortune of being a white male born here with fine parents.
His pastimes were lifelong learning, reflecting, people watching, avid reading and taking long walks, especially in the woods.
He was survived by a sister, Robin Rice; a son, Craig Stephen Rice; and a daughter, Laura Elaine Rice.
Jim's body has been donated to The University of lowa Hospitals and Clinics. At Jim's request, there will be no memorial services. To share a thought, memory or condolence with Jim's family, please visit the funeral home website at www.gayandciha.com.
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