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Obituary for W. James Rice

W. James  Rice
W. James Rice, former Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs for the State of Connecticut dies at 76.

W. James Rice was born in New Jersey on July 2, 1939. He died suddenly on Wednesday, April 13, 2016.

He received his B. S. degree from Central State University, Wilberforce, Ohio in 1961.

Mr. Rice held various executive positions in organizations related to community housing. He was involved in Urban Housing and Development in Waterbury, Connecticut early in his career. His commitment for public service led him to run for state congressman for the State of Connecticut in the 1970s. Mr. Rice was appointed Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs for the State of Connecticut by Governor Ella Grasso and served in that capacity from 1975 – 1979. He was executive Director of the Stamford Housing Authority from 1981 – 1989. Mr. Rice became CEO of the Meriden Housing Authority in 1990 and held that position until his retirement in 2002. During his tenure at the Meriden Housing Authority, Mr. Rice was responsible for obtaining several million dollars in federal funding for revitalization of subsidized housing developments in Meriden as well as construction of new units to provide housing for low income families. Mr. Rice was known for his strong leadership style and instituted procedures to promote safety in the housing developments to protect the residents.
Mr. Rice held prominent memberships in housing organizations. He was a member of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) and a Trustee of the Public Housing Director’s Association (PHADA – also a national organization) for more than two decades serving as its Vice President for Professional Development for four years. He also served as President of New England NAHRO (NERC), and served twice as President of Connecticut NAHRO (CONN NAHRO). Mr. Rice served on the Board of Directors of HAI Group providing reliable insurance solutions and related services to the public and affordable housing community. He was 2nd Vice Chairman in addition to serving on several of their committees.
During his retirement, Mr. Rice continued to be involved in housing activities by serving as a consultant to various organizations. He also served as a Dispute Hearing Officer to resolve issues between housing authorities and their tenants. Mr. Rice remained involved in CONN NAHRO and was chairman of the annual CONN NAHRO conference for several years as a result of urging by other members due to his great organizational skills.

Mr. Rice was a respected advisor and mentor to many in the field of Public Housing.
Mr. Rice is survived by a daughter, Nishelle Martin of Orlando, Florida, two sons, Nyles Rice of Tampa, Florida and Nason Rice of Orlando, Florida, a sister, Diane Buchynski of Detroit, Michigan, a brother Ricky Newton of Akron, Ohio, 9 grandchildren.
At Mr. Rice’s request, there will be no funeral. Condolences may be sent to The Rice Family, 59 Ansonia Road. Woodbridge, CT 06525.

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