James ‘Jim’ Rice was born January 23‚ 1969‚ in Saugus‚ Massachusetts. He grew up in Peabody‚ Massachusetts‚ with his parents‚ Brian and Elaine‚ and his brother‚ Michael.

Jim attended Peabody Public Schools and graduated high school from St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers Massachusetts‚ where he played football and baseball‚ and made lifelong friendships with fellow classmates. He went on to earn his undergraduate degree in marketing from Bentley University. Jim enjoyed the business world but ultimately wanted to be a part of the brotherhood of the Peabody Fire Department.

Jim began dating his wife Amy in July of 1993. They married two years later on October 14‚ 1995. They celebrated 16 years of marriage in 2011. They have three beautiful children‚ Alyssa‚ Katelyn and Ryan. Jim was a family man who had strong family values. It was so important to him to be an active father and to attend all sports events his children participated in when he was not at work. He routinely walked his kids to school after returning home from the station with doughnuts in hand. He was very proud of his family. His schedule allowed him to attend his children’s school events and sporting events. He thoroughly enjoyed being home with them after school working on homework and school projects.

Jim was a kid at heart. He could be found throwing the ball around the yard with his kids or floating around in the pool‚ on a basketball court‚ softball field‚ golf course‚ or even practicing kicking field goals at Emerson Park when he was not at the station. He was also a true New England sports fan and a season ticket holder to the New England Patriots. He only missed a game if he was working.

Because he was a kind‚ loving‚ funny person to be around‚ he had an amazing group of friends on and off the department. The tragedy of his death has left a huge hole not only in our hearts‚ but also in our community. His laugh is what many will remember.

Jimmy was an outstanding son‚ brother‚ grandson‚ uncle‚ brother-in-law‚ son-in-law and husband. Most of all‚ he could be called the best father to his three beautiful children. They called him Daddy-O.