Air Force 2nd Lt. John Timothy Rice was born October 5th, 1987 at Rugby, ND to John and Barbara Rice. Home-educated at the Rice Homeschool from Kindergarten through the 12th grade, J.T. graduated from there in May of 2006. He attended the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs from 2006-2010, graduating with honors in Geo-Political Science in May 2010. J.T. was currently attending Texas Tech University in Lubbock and in December of 2011 would have received his Master’s Degree in Language followed by jet training at Sheppard Air Force Base.

He lived a rich, full life. J.T. loved his studies; he loved geography. That love brought him to the National Geographic Bee in Washington, DC three years in a row, where he captured two fourth place finishes. Two other competitors along with J.T. were chosen to form the United States team that was sent to the International competition. They defeated Germany and France in the Championship round. He was active in FFA, music and sports at the Maddock Public School.

J.T. had a big smile and warm personality. He loved to hunt and fish with his dad and brothers. J.T. loved to tease his sisters and referred to them as his “beautiful sisters”. Flying was a passion. He was a member of the United States Air Force Academy Flying Team. While attending Texas Tech, he received his instrument and commercial ratings and was to have taken a check ride this weekend for the instructor rating.

J.T. enjoyed traveling and loved to experience the culture of various countries. He had visited Iceland, South Korea, Netherlands, Spain, France, Lesotho, Japan, Thailand, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and South Africa.  His life verse was from Ecclesiastes 12:13 “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”