James Edward Trice was born in Blades, Del. on October 10,1938 to James and Sarah (Neal) Trice. He was the oldest of five children. Upon high school graduation, he received a degree in elementary education from University of East Carolina and a MA in elementary guidance and administration from George Washington University.

Jim was a principal in the Fairfax County School System, where he met his wife, Mary Margaret to whom he was married for 57 years. While in Virginia, they became parents to son Bruce. From 1973-1993, Jim was principal of the elementary school in Bremen, Indiana. A few years after retirement, Jim returned to teaching in the Pasco County school district.

Jim was a person of many interests. He was passionate about our country's history, especially the Revolutionary War, and also scoured many antique stores for relics. He decided to collect butter molds and has written two books about them. He established his business "Primitives Etc." and set up booths at many antique shows during his life.

Upon retirement, Jim got his real estate license, conducted estate and yard sales and became a host on many trips organized by K and M Travel Agency. He loved to travel! He and Mary Margaret went to Alaska, Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand and several times to Europe in addition to traveling here in the USA.

Jim was a leader, having served on the Betmar Acres Board as head of communications and later organizing a resident group council while living at American House. Jim was a wonderful caregiver to his dear Mary Margaret and upon her passing, he moved to Spring Hill to be near his beloved grandson, Liam.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Mary Margaret, his son Bruce, his parents, sister Charlotte and brother Kenneth. He is survived by grandson Liam Trice and Liam's parents Cassie and Dan, his sister-in-law Wilma Klak, brothers Robert and Donald, nieces and nephews, and many friends at American House in Zephyrhills and Vitality, in Spring Hill.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Zephyrhills on Wednesday, April 9 at 2:00 PM. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.

The address is 5510-19th Street Zephyrhills, Florida.

Memorial gifts may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church at 5510-19th St., Zephyrhills, Florida 33542 for the food pantry or community meals project.