​James William Rice 1932-2020

James William Rice passed away Sunday, July 26, 2020 in Webster TX at the age of 88.

Dr. Rice was a founding member of ATEC, and instrumental in its creation in 1961. The Northrop Rice Foundation was established in the Rice family name in 1994 to provide annual scholarships and awards to the aviation technical education community. It continues to be a valuable resource for aviation technical programs, instructors, and students.

Jim was born in Chicago, IL on May 14, 1932 to James William Rice and Helen Margaret Lyons. Dr. Rice was in aviation his entire life, working at Braniff, Continental, Bendix, Western Electric and Lockheed before founding Rice Aviation in Houston in 1972 to teach aircraft mechanics. After receiving his Ed.D from the University of Houston in 1977, Dr. Rice alongside his wife Mary Alice, helped thousands of students through the rigorous FAA Airframe and Powerplant curriculum resulting in aviation careers for many local Texans.

Dr. Rice's full obituary is available at www.legacy.com/obituaries/houstonchronicle/obituary.aspx?n=james-rice&pid=196564504&fhid=19433.

A lovely tribute, written by Dr. Rice's friend and colleague Vince Jones, was published in AMT Magazine in April: www.aviationpros.com/education-training/article/21142019/jim-rices-career

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Northrop Rice Foundation to help further the Dr. James W. Rice and Mary Alice Rice tradition of education of aviation maintenance personnel.

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