2003 Assembly Joint Resolution 49
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: the life and public service of Judge James W. Rice.
Whereas, Judge James W. Rice was born in Sparta, Wisconsin, on October 19, 1924, and died at his home on May 30, 2003, in Sparta, Wisconsin; and
Whereas; he graduated from Sparta High School in 1942 and from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1950; and
Whereas, James W. Rice served in the United States Armed Forces in World War II as a medic with the 4th Infantry Division and was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in combat; and
Whereas, he married Barbara Hughes on November 21, 1953, and together they raised and enjoyed their 5 children; and
Whereas, James W. Rice practiced law for 14 years and in 1964 was appointed Monroe County circuit judge and served with fairness and understanding in that position for 31 years; and
Whereas, Judge Rice gained national attention by challenging the federal government over jurisdiction of the Cuban juvenile refugees housed at Fort McCoy; and
Whereas, throughout his life, Judge James W. Rice willingly shared his knowledge as a member of the Wisconsin Bar Association, chairing numerous committees and serving as a faculty member; and
Whereas, Judge Rice always remained loyal to his hometown of Sparta and was an active and contributing member of the community; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature recognize the life and years of public service of Judge James W. Rice and acknowledge their appreciation for the contributions that he has made to our judicial system, express their sorrow at his death, and extend their condolences to his family and friends; and, be it further
Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide a copy of this joint resolution to his wife, Barbara, of Sparta; and to their children, Catherine, of New York City, New York, Elizabeth, of Oshkosh, John, of Elko, Nevada, Robert, of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Thomas, of Bluff, Utah.
