Rev. Dr. James “Jim” T. Trice Jr.

Dr. James T. Trice, Jr. (Jim) was a son, brother, uncle, husband, dad, Pop and friend. He held other distinctions and titles, but to his family and friends he distinguished himself, most, by the way he dedicated himself to these. His mild, comforting presence, his loving compassion, his warm embrace of all walks of life and beliefs, his level head, rational thought and deep abiding faith are all marks of the human being that his God created and whom he called to serve by ministering to others. In his service, through The United Methodist Church, Jim touched lives and set an example and defined a life of Servant Leadership. He never questioned where he was planted, instead he chose to grow brilliantly wherever the Sower scattered. His was not a life to receive accolades but rather to lift others and strengthen their faith, their person and their relationships. Through ministry in United Methodist Congregations in the South Georgia Annual Conference that included Harmony UMC in LaGrange, The Geneva Larger Parish in Geneva, Aldersgate UMC in Columbus, Buena Vista UMC, Forest Hills UMC in Macon, First UMC in Bainbridge, First UMC in Valdosta, District Superintendent of the Columbus District and Isle of Hope UMC in Savannah; he ministered by being himself and offering unconditional love, as Christ would, to others. And this was his greatest witness. His infectious laugh, huge grin and sense of humor comforted, held your attention and put you at ease. He was a gifted listener and used the gift to guide and never to ridicule or criticize. He was proud that his faith allowed him to question and constantly grow and he used that to counsel others through their own life challenges.

Jim graduated from Columbus High School, received his undergraduate from LaGrange College and earned the Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Always seeking to grow his knowledge and skills, he obtained a Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary where his dissertation was titled “A Strategy for Middle Age Marriage Enrichment in the Church.” Jim gracefully slipped away long before his body gave out. Even struggling with Alzheimer’s, his gentle, kind spirit and wonderful grin never left him or us. He ministered even when it was most difficult, yet it was such a part of him that nothing could cause a separation. He preached a funeral a number of years ago and on that day, he remarked about the life being celebrated: “the God that I know, and love would never allow this man to just cease to be! He was too vibrant and too much of a character to simply cease being.” We celebrate the fact that Jim will not cease being and that love always lives on!

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Truman and Jeanette Trice and his son Chris Trice. He is survived by his wife Mavis Trice, his son Matt Trice and granddaughter Cali Trice. He is also survived by his brother Jerry Trice and his sister Joan Colquitt, several nieces and a nephew.

A memorial service was held July 29, 2021, in Savannah at Isle of Hope United Methodist Church. Interment followed in the Isle of Hope Memory Garden. A celebration of life was held July 31, 2021, at Carlyle Place, 5300 Zebulon Road, Macon, GA 31210.

Memorial gifts may be made in Jim’s memory to LaGrange College: 601 Broad Street, LaGrange, Georgia 30240-2999.

Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express tributes. Snow’s Memorial Chapel Bass Road is in charge of local arrangements.