MOUNT VERNON — James Franklin “Jim” Rice, 77, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 9:20 pm April 9, 2024 at Mount Vernon Countryside Manor in Mount Vernon.

He was born August 1, 1946 in Benton, Illinois to the late Franklin and Mary Jessie (Bell) Rice. Jim is survived by his daughters, Janel Mathus and husband, Dale and Jennifer Rice, both of Mount Vernon; grandchildren, Alex Rice, Lauren Smith and husband, Grant, and Everett Mathus, all of Mount Vernon; great-granddaughter, Jaelynn Rice of Mount Vernon; and brother, Mike Rice of Benton.

Jim proudly served in the Army National Guard. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church. Jim was also a member of Ainad Shriners, Jefferson County Shrine Club, and was Past President of the Jefferson County Shrine Club. He was a Past Exalted Ruler in 1988 for the Mount Vernon Elks Lodge 819, Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, and Grand Lodge Convention Coordinator. He enjoyed playing golf and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Visitation will be held Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. At 6:00 pm, Lodge Sorrows will take place at the funeral home. A Funeral Service will be held Friday, April 12, 2024 at 10:00 am at Hughey Funeral Home with Pastor Mark Winkleman officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, Illinois.

Memorials may be made in Jim’s honor to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children or to Illinois Elks Children Care Corp. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.