Willard James Rice, 80, of LeRoy, passed away October 19, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in 1946, in Reed City, MI to Wilmer and Rachel (Rockey) Rice. He grew up in Evart Michigan and later moved to Cadillac where he and his wife Roberta raised their family.

Few things were more important to Jim than his family, hard work, and respect for others-which he exemplified in everything he did. A Graduate of Worsham’s School of Mortuary Science, Jim served the Cadillac community and countless families during the 42 years he worked at Petersons Funeral Home in Cadillac, a job he enjoyed and took great pride in.

Jim found his greatest joy in his family. His loving wife of 60 years, Roberta, was his foundation in all he did. Together they raised 3 children: William, Matthew, and Jennifer. Jim’s favorite place to be was at home, in Ashton on his 54 acres, walking the trails he mowed, trimming his apple trees, and mowing the grass. If you were a grandchild out walking with grandpa, you would often come across one of the many green plastic lawn chairs tucked in all over the property; these were spots he would stop while he was working and take in an afternoon break.

Jim is survived by his wife, Roberta, of Ashton; daughter in-law, Rebecca Rice of Tustin, son Matthew (Salina) Rice of Mt. Pleasant, and daughter Jennie (Eric) Peterson of Cadillac. His beloved grandchildren, Kate (Mark), Joe (Ashley), Zachary (Emily), Kenzie (Zach), Olivia, Eli, Anthony (Alyssa), and Alexis, and 12 great grandchildren. Sister, Winn (Charlie) Schonert of Cadillac, Kathy Rice of Evart, Paul Roggow of Reed City, Brother in-law David Johnson of Hersey and Bill Johnson of Centerville, Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his son and friend William, parents Wilmer and Rachel, In-laws Marge and Jack Thirey, and Robert Johnson. Brother, Wilmer Rice (Bub) and sister Jean Roggow.

Our dad taught us not only through his words, but with his actions. His love, guidance, and the lessons he taught us will remain in our hearts forever. He showed us the importance of family, the value of hard work, and the joy in life’s simplest moments. These are the gifts he leaves behind that we will carry with us every day.

As family we will continue to find him in the memories we share, the lessons he taught us, and the little things that remind us of him. As Jim would say when we left after a visit, he would part with the words, “Watch for deer.” A simple reminder to be careful, to look out for one another, and carry a piece of him wherever we go. He will always be a presence in our lives and live on in the family he cherished so deeply.

Visitation to be Friday October 23rd from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Burkholder-Nielsen Funeral Home in McBain, MI. Services to be Saturday October 24th @ 2:00 pm with visitation starting one hour prior to services with Pastor Mark Bonnes Officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the University of Michigan Alzheimer’s Research fund. The family is being served by the Burkholder-Nielsen Funeral Home in McBain, the online obituary can be seen at burkholderfunerals.com.