Jack passed away on April 23, 2012, in Raleigh.  Jack was a long time resident of Raleigh, spending most of his adult life in his home in Boylan Heights.  Jack became an Eagle Scout at the age of 15, earned his degreee in architecture from the NCSU School of Design in 1971 and his Masters in Design at UCLA after moving to LA with his young family.

Jack was an accomplished architect and designer.  However, what set Jack apart was his ability to partner with others to convert plans to completed projects.  He had a deep understanding of construction.  Jack had a remarkable ability to work collaboratively with planners, city officials, other architects, contractors and artisans.  In his jeans, on a job site, talking with a contractor and subs, Jack was in his element.  No less so, however, than when he was serving on and chairing the Raleigh planning cmmission in the 1980's.  Jack formed JERA, Inc. in 1978.  While his practice was diverse, Jack was recognized as exceptionally able in designing apartments, particularly affordable apartments.  Shortly before his final illness, Jack led the design team that worked with the board of directors and managemnt of the Raleigh Interchurch Housing Corporation in connection with the major and on-going renovaton of the 100 unit RICH Park Apartments on Method Road in Raleigh.  Jack worked tirelessly on that project and will be sorely missed by his colleagues.

Jack was not only a talented architect, but he was also an excellent cook and an accomplished gardener.  He loved all things oriental, especially Japanese gardens and cuisine.  Jack enjoyed fishing in the ocean.  In fact, one of his prized possessions was a 350 pound blue marlin that he landed in Oregon Inlet in 1983. 

He had a large extended family and many friends with whom he enjoyed spending time.  Jack is survived by his mother Elisabeth Rice (Raleigh); wife Patricia Beaman Rice (home); son William C. Rice (Samantha) of Beaufort, NC, grandchildren: Alexander, Katherine, Daniel, and Jonathan Rice (Beaufort, NC); sisters Sharon R. Gates of Mt. Airy, NC, and Catheine R. Parker (R.L.) of Apex, NC, and brother Robert (Bob) Rice of Tacoma Park, MD., and a number of step-children, aunts, uncles, cousins, neices, and nephews. 

Donations may be made in Jack's name to Hospice of Wake County, 200 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC  27607.