Air Force 2nd Lt. John Timothy Rice, 23, of  Maddock,  ND, died Sunday, April 17th, 2011, from injuries sustained in a single engine plane crash near San Angelo, TX.  Funeral service will be Monday, April 25th, 2011,  11:00 AM in the Maddock Public School Gymnasium.  Visitation will be  Sunday from 5pm to 7pm with a 7:00 PM Prayer Service and Time of Sharing at the Zion Lutheran Brethren Church in Maddock.  Interment will be in the  Zion Lutheran Brethren Cemetery at Maddock.  Military Reception and Rites will be provided by the Honor Guards from the  Grand Forks and Minot Air Force Bases.

John Timothy Rice was born October 5th, 1987 at Rugby, ND to John and Barbara Rice.  Home-educated at the Rice Homeschool from Kindergarten through the 12th grade, J.T. graduated from there in May of 2006.  He attended the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs from 2006-2010, graduating with honors in Geo-Political Science in May of last year.  J.T. was currently attending Texas Tech University in Lubbock and in December of 2011 would have received his Master's Degree in Language followed by jet training at Sheppard Air Force Base.  He had a special friend, Rachel Reeder a 2nd Class Cadet at the academy.

He lived a rich, full life.  J.T. loved his studies; he loved geography.  That love brought him to the National Geographic Bee in  Washington, DC three years in a row, where he captured two fourth place finishes.  Two other competitors along with J.T. were chosen to form the United States team that was sent to the International competition.  They defeated Germany and France in the Championship round.   He was active in FFA, music and sports at the Maddock Public School.

J.T. had a big smile and warm personality.  He loved to hunt and fish with his dad and brothers.  J.T. loved to tease his sisters and referred to them as his "beautiful sisters".  Flying was a passion. He was a member of the United States Air Force Academy Flying Team.  While attending Texas Tech,  he received his instrument and commercial ratings and was to have taken a check ride this weekend for the instructor rating.

J.T. enjoyed traveling and loved to experience the culture of various countries.  He had visited  Iceland,  South Korea,  Netherlands,  Spain,  France,  Lesotho,  Japan,  Thailand,  Morocco,  Tunisia,  Egypt and South Africa.  Wherever he was in his travels, J.T. would call his mom, teasing her that he had fallen in love with a "local" girl from that country.  Her answer was: "J.T., come home.  There are many beautiful girls here in the United States."     His life verse was from Ecclesiastes 12:13 "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter.  Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."

Surviving are his parents; siblings:  Paul, Janna, Katie & Will Rice;  paternal grandparents:  John and Geraldine Rice all of Maddock;  numerous aunts, uncles, cousins from the Rice, Kenner and Dwyer clans.  He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents:  Tim and Marjorie Dwyer;  uncle:  John Coleman and cousins:  Chad and Timmy Morgan.



Condolences:

Our hearts are aching at the tragic news. Keeping you in our prayers...   Ruth and Dean Lindgren

I was so saddened to hear about this tragic accident. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this time. May God Bless you all.   Christine Scott Villarreal

John  I just found out about your loss of your son John. I was so sorry to hear about it. I am still in our winter residence by South Padre Island, Texas and can't get back in time for the funeral.  I hope that God blesses you and your entire family in this time of loss. You will all be in our prayers and thoughts.    Chuck Bauer

John and Barb,   I am so sorry to hear about your son. Would always catch Barb and the kids at the State Fair in Minot.Please know that your extended family and friends from years gone by have you in our thoughts and prayers.  Rod Wilson

John, Barbie, and Family -   Our deepest and heartfelt prayers to each of you. May He bless you through this trial, and may you see His mighty hand of grace and mercy.  We will be on our knees taking your broken hearts to the One who is near the brokenhearted.   Lovingly,  Gary and Marlys Keller

John, Barb and family,  I am sorry to hear of your loss of JT in the accident. Life is to be lived day by day and it seems JT did.  Words can't come from me to change all that.  Just know that I am thinking of you all and praying for Gods hands to hold you during this time of loss. Friends and Jesus our Lord will be with you and comfort you. JT is with Our Lord and will be watching over you. God bless you all.   Terry Goerger - Mantador, ND

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  May you know Christ's peace and grace during this difficult time and always.  Chris and Kim Cruickshank and Family

Expressing our deepest sympathy and keeping your family in our prayers. Dr. Douglas and Laura Munski

Our hearts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time.  Please know that your son and Peter Sohm will sincerely be missed.   Kelly Parrott, Major, USAFR - NH USAFA Admission Liaison Officer

So very sad for the loss of J.T. on his life adventure. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, extended family and friends. It's hard to understand why we have to loose those who still have so much living yet to do and would've made the world a better and brighter place as he had already done. God bless.  Penny Loken-Evans

Our prayers go out to you at this time of loss in your life.  JT always had a smile for everyone.  May our Lord give you strength and guide in your days to come.  Rick and Bonnie Benson

John and family.......we are SO SORRY for the loss of your son and his friend in the tragic accident on Sunday, April 17th. Please know that the Lord holds each of you, along with JT, forever in His arms......and one day, you will all be reunited for eternity. For now, we pray that the Lord will give you unending strength, so once again you can find peace, and remember all the precious memories no one can ever take away.`With our deepest sympathy to each of you, Doug and Kathleen Messner....Pekin, North Dakota

John, Barb and family, I am very sorry to learn of John's death.  I know you couldn't be more proud of a human being.  I remember learning of his skill in geography.  I imagine that he was fun lovng like his Dad. I don't have any magic words to take away the pain, but I want you to know that your family has been very important in my life and I am very grateful for you all.  I cannot make the funeral on Monday, but please know that my thoughts are with you all.  God has already blessed you with John.  May his memory continue to bless.  Bill Patrie

John and Barb my beloved cousins. I'm so shocked and saddened by JT's sudden passing, as everybody is. He was such an outstanding young man. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. God Bless you.Martha Torrey

We are very sorry to learn of John's accident. As parents of a 2010 cadet too, we feel a special bond with other cadet parents. Although there are no words that can erase the pain of your loss I hope you know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.  George & Mary Anne Jordy

Our thoughts and prayers are with John and his family during this sad time. May he rest in peace.    Karenina and Eugene Louie - USAF "Family" members

To Barb, John and family,   Sonja and I were stunned, shocked and saddened at your sudden and tragic loss.  Sonja heard it on the news a couple days ago, and of course, it seemed totally unbelievable.  There is no way that we can understand what it is like to lose a child, and in your case, an adult child at that.  We pray God's comfort and strength to you, hoping that there will be some help from the Easter message and story.   In your sadness, we think of the Benediction, "The Lord Bless you," and the confidence of the Psalmist in the last verse of Ps. 23.  "I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Joel and Sonja Hernes

John, Barb and Family,   There are no words to express our deepest sympathy for your loss, and for all of us who knew JT he was very special.  Sorry we cannot be there at this time but our love, thoughts and prayers are with you all.   Chuck & Ruth Beason

John, Barb and family,   So saddened to hear the news.  I have been traveling and just received word of J.T.'s passing.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. In Peru they have a term that I feel puts it best, "Pesama," which means place your weight on me. I wish I could take it all for you.  We are all God's children and we can be called home at any time.    Kelly Dwyer

John Rice family - So sorry to hear of JT's  passing.  I will always remember coaching him in football and knowing him always willing to say hi. Sam Gutormson

Our hearts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.  He must have lived large always looking upward to the blue skies and being the best in all that he could be.  What an accomplished young man to have excelled and achieved so much in such a short time with a devotion to his family, country and mankind. He is on the wings of heaven and forever in your hearts.  Fran Brummund

Our son Peter graduated from USAFA with JT and had the highest regard for him as a person and as a pilot. We are all deeply broken by his death and your loss of a wonderful son and brother. May the God of all comfort you.   Greg and Mary Jane Grooms

I remember covering J.T.'s many wins at the Geography Bee for the Minot Daily News and being impressed by what a nice, bright young man he was and what a nice family he came from. I'm so sorry for your loss. Andrea Johnson

Our hearts broke when Rachel called with the news. The Boerner's are praying that God's Spirit will comfort you as you mourn the loss of John.  Take hope in the resurrection of our Lord and the promise that it holds for believers.  1 Corinthians 15:20, 22, "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead....For in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive." Pastor Jerry, Colleen Boerner and family, Bergenfield, NJ

My thoughts and prayers are with you!!!  Mama Jean Jenner  (Laura and Betty's friend) PS Thanks for the helicopter ride--a real highlight!!

John and Barb, Our prayers and thoughts have been with you. Our son AJ graduated from USAFA in 2008. We feel we share a common bond in the family of Christ and as USAFA parents. The times we met JT he impressed us as a man of God and a wonderful fun person. We cannot imagine your loss but in some small way we feel we share in it. Our hearts and our home are open to you and your family. Our prayers continue for you. Earl and Pam Torgerson

Sorry for your loss. Words can't express the feelings of such sorrow. Thank you John and Barb for being part of my life. My heart goes out to you and to all who knew J.T. .  Al Pikop

So sorry to hear of your loss. Things do get better with time. Know you're being thought of and prayed for.  Shirley Green

My sincere sympathy in your loss of a wonderful son.  I can't be there in person to say goodbye but I will be there in thought and prayer.  May God keep you strong.  Leo Swenson

Thinking of your family. Thoughts and Prayers- Steve and Nancy Olson and family of Mohall, ND

Sending our Deepest Sympathy to the Rice family, relatives & friends. You are all in our prayers & thoughts.  Rick & Gayle Schumann

Barb and John, my heart aches for you in the tragic death of your son John.  While there are no words to take away the grief and heartache, I hope you can find some comfort in the Easter promise that those who live in the Lord never see each other for the last time.  And that for all the depth of your family's loss, John at least now knows the answers to all of our questions that begin with "why."  We will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers. Janet (Hernes) Mathistad

Our deepest sympathy goes out to your family during this time.  Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.  I didn't know John personally but have heard about him and what a special nephew and cousin he was from Tim, Tori and their girls.  They have great memories of him and how special he was in their lives. Let God be of great comfort to you at this difficult time.  The Minow's

John, Barb, and Family:  Peggy and I are so sorry to read J. T.'s obituary.  It is obvious that he was a very special son and brother.  We would like to express our deepest sympathy and let you all know that you will be in our prayers.  With regrets and our deepest regards, Everett and Peggy Dobrinski, Makoti, ND

Hello, you don't know me, I live in Bismarck.  I saw your son's obit in the paper.  I, too, lost my son.  It's been 1 and a half years now, he was 25 and died in a car accident.  I feel so very sorry for you.  It is the most terrible thing that can happen to a person, and I know that right now the pain is unbearable.  I'm just getting to enjoy life alittle now.  The first 6 months are very hard.  Trust in God.  I only cry about twice a month now.  Remember, your life will never be as good as it was with John, but you can still have a good life.  Best wishes. Corinne Aberle

We are so very sorry to hear about your loss.  I can't even imagine how terrible you feel. I do know that your family is one of the strongest families that I know and  you will find the strength to embrace all of the wonderful things John accomplished in his life. He was truly an amazing young man.  He had accomplished more than most people do in a lifetime. Our hearts are grieving with you at this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers always. John, Tricia, Taya & Trevor Bearman

To the Rice Family, Our deepest sympathy for your loss.  We remember John (J.T.) very well and fondly from his three years at the National Geographic Bee and the international geography competition.  He was a wonderful young man.  Please know that you are in our thoughts.   Mary Lee Elden and staff at the National Geographic

Dear Rice Family,   My deepest condolences on your great loss. JT seems to have been truly extraordinary although I never got to know him. My prayers are with you.   Your friend,  Eric (Fur)

John and Barb and Family,  We are thinking of you and your family.  We are sorry to hear about J.T.   Our prayers are with you and your family. May God Bless you.  Know that J.T. will be celebrating Easter with Jesus this year.  God Bless you and your Family.  Mike, Shawna and Connor Hodek

We are all so saddened by his loss, he was a wonderful young man. May the Lord grant you peace in this time of your great sorrow. With love from cousins Sue, Ned, Priscilla, Ellie, and Martha, and all of our young ones. The Harris Family

To the Rice Family - I had the privilege of teaching JT in my Middle East and African Geography class in JT's senior year at the Academy.  It was a challenge trying to keep up with him, he knew so much, and I knew he was destined for great things.  The news of his passing has been difficult for all his former teachers to bear.  JT was a great young man, one of our best graduates.  It makes us ache to realize that he won't be here to bless his country with his gifts, his wit, and his great personality.  Please accept our heartfelt condolences -- you must be very special people indeed to produce so fine a son as JT Rice. May your faith sustain you at this very difficult time, and may it comfort you to know so many people who knew JT mourn his loss with you.  Christopher Brooks

Johnny, Barb, and family,  We are so saddened to learn of JT's passing. Such a bright, shining life in such a short time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family.  Dan Ness

JOHN,BARB AND FAMILY  WE ARE SO SORRY TO HERE OF THE TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY. TOM, JOYCE THORSON AND FAMILY, WEST BRANCH,MI.

We are thinking of your loss after noticing it in the paper. It sounds like you have a wonderful family, and would have liked to know J.T. a little. Our only connection with him was flying, and his father John. Take care, Mike Aarestad

Please accept our deepest sympathy at the loss of your son. We met JT at the Sohms house on a Thanksgiving a few years back. We were so impressed with the zest for life both John and Peter had. They loved to fly. I was in the USAF and could easily relate to the interest for flying with the best. We will be with the Sohms during their time of need but will remember JT and you all in our prayers. Best wishes. Richard and Paula Michalski

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH JOHN, BARB, AND FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF NEED! MAY GOD BLESS U!! NIKKI JOHNSON

John, Barb and Family, We are very sorry to hear of your loss. One can only continue our faith as we progress through this difficult time. You must be extremely proud of John's short time on this Earth. Our thoughts and prayers with you.  Bruce and Diane Walker

We are so sorry to hear of the loss of JT.  Our son has recently made the soaring team at USAFA and I understand your son was a part of that team.  You will always have all of JT's accomplishments..they were his. Our prayers are with you at this time. The Bloch family, and the Northeast Florida USAFA Parents Association, Jacksonville, FL

As fellow 2010 USAFA cadet/graduate parents please know that John and his family are connected with us, and will always remain alive in our hearts.  Co USAFA parent who was in San Angelo on 4/17/11

To the Rice Family, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. We were so sorry to hear about the accident. We know John will be missed by all his friends and family. As part of the USAFA family, we will all grieve John's loss. Sincerely,Karen Schatsiek, President

Barb and family, I graduated from vet school around the same time as Barb and have a son around the same age as John.  My heart goes out to the Rice family. May you find strength and comfort knowing JT lived his life with passion and honesty, leaving  loved ones behind with many good thoughts and stories to remember him by.  All of you and JT are in our thoughts and prayers. With Sympathy, Judy Gibbens and family - Cando

I could not believe it when Jonathan called and told me about the accident.  He had so much respect for and loved JT like a brother.  I remember him as an awesome young man; fun loving and always seemed to know what he wanted and did it! He lived life to the fullest. We know John and Peter are in Heaven's Mansion now and Praise His name for that knowledge.  We are praying for you and your family in this time of loss of a special son and brother.  Ruth and Randy Benson, MO (Jonathan's parents)

Across the miles from New Hampshire, I wanted to offer prayers and sympathy to your family. Kathleen Wolfe

I'm so sorry for your loss.  My daughter Sarah went to Egypt with JT and others, a couple of summers ago.  When I talked to her after I heard the news, she said it was hard for her to be gloomy after the first shock, because whenever she thought back on him she had to smile.  I wanted you to know that. Lora Smith

Dearest Rice Family,  My son Austin was J.T.'s roommate for three years at the Academy. The more I got to know J.T. the more impressed I was at the quality of a man he was. I feel that Austin was a better man for having known and lived with your son for those three years. From the smiles to the practical jokes to the wiffle ball game at parent's weekend to the example set in his studies one could ALWAYS count on J.T. to be the man you raised him to be. I have spoken with Austin and share in his and your pain at this loss. I thank our Heavenly Father that you and your family know our risen Lord and Savior and can look forward with certainty of that great and eternal reunion. I feel so very deeply for your family during this time. God bless you and keep you in His love.  Buck Westbrook

To the family and friends of JT Rice,  JT was a great man. My memories of him are full of his happiness, his smile, and his love of flying. They're also half in Arabic! JT and I knew each other through the Academy's Arabic program, and we went to Egypt together. It pains me to know that we won't meet again, but condolences are found in that whenever I go flying, he will be there. He truly has "slipped the surly bonds of Earth, and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings." He will always and forever be a part of the brotherhood of aviators. You are all in my thoughts, and I wish you the best.Very Sincerely, Sarah E Skogsberg, 2 LT, USAF

John, Barb and family -  We were so sad to hear of your loss.  We know the strength of your family will continue to raise his spirit high.   Betsy Carver and Family

Our heart-felt condolences on your loss of John T. He was a true friend to my grandson, Austin Westbrook, at the Academy. I was fortunate to meet him at graduation and at Austin's wedding.  We don't know God's plan for any of us but we must trust in Him.  I was truly filled with sorrow when my son told me of the accident and can only hope that you remember John T. with love and joy in your hearts.  Our love and friendship to all of of family.  God bless, Ken and Jackay Hauldren

John, Barb and family, So sorry to hear of your loss. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Love in Christ, Sarah Landsem and family

We are heart-broken for you.  It is times like this that your great faith in God will keep you going.  JT was an amazing and very accomplished young man.  We know how very proud you were of him.  Our love and prayers are with you and your family.  May you be surrounded by all those that love you.   Karen, Dave Fehr and family

To all the family, I did not know John T, but know his parents and grandparents having grown up in Maddock; this tragedy, unforseen, is the story of a brave and courageous son, brother and grandson.  My heart goes out to you all. With sympathy. Peg Ritchie

So very sad to hear about John and Peter. We know that they both will be deeply missed by their family, friends and fellow graduates. Our thoughts are with your family during this difficult time. Family of Michael Moroz (USAFA 2010, CS 37) Mike, Sharon, Mike and Chris

Dear family, our USAFA family mourns with you.  I will continue to pray for your strength and comfort in the days to come.  What a son to be proud of!! Our Lord be with you in every moment. USAFA 2011 SQ 35 - Becky Marshall and son C1C Benjamin

It is with a heavy hand that we send these condolences to the Rice family. John will be missed by all who knew him. Please know that he and his family will be in our thoughts and prayers as you suffer this tragic loss. Jim and Lori Ruether, C1C Shane M Ruether 2011

To the Rice family:  I am so very sorry to hear about JT.  My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.  You are such wonderful people.  Brenda Gustafson and family

As we read JT's obituary, our hearts are so saddened by by your sudden loss. Knowing that there is absolutely NO words to make you feel better, makes us feel so helpless. We DO know that God will see you through the days ahead is our only ray of sunshine that will make you weather your grief. God loves you much more than anyone of us can fathom; He has promised us ALL eternal life. Faith, & these things are what we must all hold dearly onto. You will all be in our thoughts & prayers in the days ahead. God bless you always. Michael & Rachel Togstad-Axness

John, Barb, Paul, Janna, Katie & Will, At a time like this, no words can ease the pain or lessen the grief in the loss of your son and brother.  I feel blessed to have known JT, and as my son Austin's roommate for 3 years at the Academy, he proved himself to be honorable, a man of integrity, a true friend and such a joy to be around.  His great attitude and sense of humor made life just a little sweeter for everyone who came in contact with him.  Although we may never understand some things this side of heaven, I have been praying for you often that your faith and God's love and mercy will get you through this very difficult time.  JT will truly be missed by all.  Sandy Westbrook

I am so sorry for your loss.  Wishing you peace and comfort in the warmth of your memories. Lisa Niederwerfer - Londonderry, NH

I am Sean Foote's grandmother and though I didn't know J.T. personally I knew him through the words of Sean of the great relationship they shared and how,you, his family invited Sean to your home and welcomed him.  Sean will always have warm memories and thoughts of his friendship with J.T. and all that they shared.  My deepest sympathy in your loss, I know God has you in His embrace filled with love and caring.   Sincerely, Dolores Foote

Rice Family,  May the Good Lord comfort you always and forever through these trying times in the loss of your son. Mother of a 2010 graduate and 2nd Lt.   Patricia Hayden

John and Barbie,  We are so sorry for your loss,  If there is anything you need or want please know that we are here for you.  Your faith in God will help to get through the pain and the knowledge that we will all reunite once again in heaven will keep you strong.   All  that have gone before us will care for JT and help to prepare a place for us all to reunite one day.  We love you all and know that you are in our prayers.   Maureen, Bob Downey

Barb, Johnny and family,   Count my life among those your amazing son and fellow human being touched.  I have quoted him often from an encounter at the Jan and Loren's lake home.  We were gathering our dinner from the buffet line when I commented on the fine food.  He made sure I was fully listening when he said, "We are blessed with fine lives..."  His maturity and insight were obvious.   Ann Cadwalader

Dear Rice Family, We are so sadden to read of John's death. Someone so precious to you and to so many people. You raised a wonderful son. Having lost a grown child ourselves, we take strength in leaning on Jesus and pray that you too will lean on Him in your times of sorrow. Your child will always be with you in spirit. You know that someday you will see John again. May you allow Jesus to wrap His loving arms around you to comfort you. Reuben and Clarice Liechty

We are family of 2nd Lt. Sean Foote.  So sorry to hear of your loss of such a wonderful son!  What an inspiration J.T. is having two sons ourselves;  J.T. is such a fine example that with strong self beliefs and an unrelenting thirst to learn that you can accomplish so much!  And that's why we are so proud to have such fine young men touch our lives like your beloved son,  J.T.,  (and Sean) have.  Sincerely, Scott, Kellie, Macrae & Connor Ashwood

To Rice Family,  I was preparing the flag podium for the memorial at Tech on May 2, 2011 for John.  I read the obituary and saw John's picture.  What an amazing young man!!  I am praying for you all.  His loss must have left a big whole in your lives.  What a blessing he had to have been to all the lives he touched. God Bless you all and bring you His Peace! Texas Tech Employee

Dear John and family,  We are so sorry to recently hear of the loss of your son and brother, J.T. We know you are extremely proud of him and accomplishments in his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family. Sincerely,  Kevin Day and family