James F. ‘Jim’ Rice

Jim graduated from Altoona High School in 1947 and attended Penn State Altoona, where he met his wife, Helen (Woolson). They married in 1953 and shared 62 years of marriage before her passing in 2015.

Surviving are their four children: James (Pami) of Hanover, Pamela Wagner (Randy) of Altoona, Richie of Shippensburg and David of Claysburg; eight grandchildren: Randy, Corey, Brian, Shawn and Brett Wagner, James and Saranda Rice and Makinley Rice; and three great-grandchildren: Eli, Colton and Reese Wagner. He loved his dog, Lucy, who will miss him greatly.

He was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Lauren Wagner.

Jim served in the Korean War while stationed in Germany. He returned from service to complete his education at Shippensburg University, graduating in 1955, and began work at Roosevelt Junior High School teaching Civics and as an assistant boys’ basketball coach. In 1968, he returned to Shippensburg University and received his Master’s Degree.

Jim became Head Basketball Coach at Roosevelt Junior High School from 1960-71 with an outstanding record of 179 wins and 18 losses and 9 championship titles. He developed friendships with many of his former players with whom he stayed in touch throughout his life. Jim became a guidance counselor at Roosevelt Junior High School in 1972 until his retirement in 1993.

At Roosevelt, he began running with other teachers during lunch time with “The Lunch Bunch” and participated in various local races. Exercise and fitness were a dominant force in his life. He was an active member of the Summit Athletic Club, where he faithfully attended and developed friendships with many “workout buddies” there. Jim would tell anyone that exercise is the key to good health and a long life and proved it by living one.

A special thank you to Scott Miles, one of Jim’s former Roosevelt Basketball players and dedicated friend, who took him to and from the Summit several times a week to work out after he stopped driving.

Jim loved talking sports with friends. Everywhere he went, he ran into someone he knew or that knew him. He will be missed by his friends of the Roosevelt Breakfast Club and Thursday Breakfast Club, started by Jim and his best friend, Ted Thompson, after their retirements.

Jim enjoyed reading, visiting his son in Shippensburg and driving around the university campus telling fond stories from his college days. He enjoyed countless summers at the seashore, as well as his backyard swimming pool, where he would walk endless laps until someone told him that’s enough and to get out. During his entire adult life, he was never without a pool.

At Jim’s request, there will be no formal visitation or services.

Friends, family and neighbors will gather to reminisce at the Rice home after 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026.