Jimmy Joe Rice, age 75, passed away on Thursday, September 29, 2022, at Mercy South Healthcare in Saint Louis, Missouri.

He was born March 6, 1947, in Sikeston, MO to J.W. Rice Jr and Beatrice Rice.  Jimmy married Janet Bratton Rice of East Prairie on August 30, 1996, at the First Baptist Church of East Prairie.

Jimmy enlisted and was honorably discharged from the United States Army, and was a Veteran of the Vietnam War and former Commander of VFW post 7183 of Lilbourn, MO.

He worked at Noranda for 39 years and after retiring, he continued to work hard with his father and son on the Rice Family Farm.

He was a member of the St. James Baptist Church of East Prairie.

He is survived by his loving wife Janet Rice of the home in East Prairie; two daughters, Mindi Lyn Rice of Clarkton, and Adalyn Danielle (Amanda) Rice-Woodard of East Prairie; one son, Thomas Matthew Rice of New Madrid; one brother, Jonathan (Tina) Rice of East Prairie; many nieces and nephews; and his many fur babies, especially his best girl, Bailey.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister Diana Lyn Rice; and one brother Robert Lee Rice.

Pallbearers for the service are Homer Bratton, David Bratton, Darryl Bratton, Bradley Jenkins, Cletus Eric Ray, and Jonathan Stokes.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 6, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., where the funeral services will be held Friday, October 7 at 1:00 p.m. at the Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.  The Rev. David Dowdy will officiate.

Interment will follow immediately at the Dogwood Cemetery in Dogwood, MO with Full Military Honors.

Shelby Funeral Home of East Prairie is in charge of arrangements and services.