James Roger Rice, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, attorney, and man of deep faith, went to be with the Lord on February 16, 2025, at the age of 75.
Born on January 1, 1950, in Buffalo, NY, to James Albert Rice and Frankie Jones Rice, Roger was raised in a home shaped by Christian values, instilled in him by his mother. At the age of 13, he was baptized at Faith Baptist Church by Rev. Rosco Mitchell, a moment that solidified his lifelong faith in God. Before he left for college, though his mother had no financial wealth to offer, she gave him Psalm 120:1 “In my distress, I cried to the Lord, and He heard me.” That scripture became his anchor through every season of his life.
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. His talent led to a full basketball scholarship to Kings College in Wilkes-Barre, PA, where he continued to play the game with heart, discipline, and excellence—qualities that he would later carry into his career and family life. Beyond his own playing career, he became a dedicated youth basketball coach, pouring his life into his sons and other youth. For many, he was more than a coach; he was a mentor and a guiding force, helping to build 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 very first day of law school. Their first date was nothing short of legendary—crossing borders from the American 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 together, 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. Upon the retirement of the founding partners in 2019, Rice & Rice closed after over 35 years of service.
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 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 Christian 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 daughters-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, Joyce and Keno Johnson, and Margo Clarke; uncles Prince Allen Whetstone and Arnold Brooks; nieces and nephews Paula and Charles Barber, Spencer and Helen Rodriguez, Luis, Alexander and Jasmine Rodriguez, Talia and Edward Faustin, and Darren and Christine Brooks. Additionally, a host of great-nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family members, friends, colleagues, the Rice & Rice family, and former clients will forever remember his kindness, wisdom, and generosity.
His impact will be felt for generations to come, and his legacy will continue through those he loved and mentored. Roger Rice lived a life well-loved and well-lived. His presence will be deeply missed, but his footprint will endure forever.
Roger Rice was a true Black Westchester Legend! Our prayers and condolences to his family and friends.
