Major Jay Newman Rice, USMC Retired, 58 of rural Hillsboro, passed away in his home 8:16 AM, Friday, July 8, 2022 following a lengthy battle with glioblastoma.  Jay was born in Lafayette March 12, 1964 to Jane Marlatt Rice and the late Lowell Rice.  He married Anita Adams in Lawton, OK June 1, 1996 and she survives.

He was a graduate of Fountain Central High School and was a standout swimmer.  He advanced to the state finals placing 6 ^th in IM and 9 ^th in Butterfly.  He graduated from Wabash College with a BA in Psychology.  He was a four time All American in swimming at the collegiate level.

Jay enlisted in the US Marine Corps, April 25, 1989, served 20 years and discharged January 31, 2010 with the rank of Major.  Jay served several tours overseas.  His first tour was evacuating the Subic Navy Base in the Philippines during the eruption of Mount Pinatubo.  Jay served in Operation Desert Storm and in Afghanistan.  Jay's proudest military accomplishment, was being embedded with 15 Marines in the mountains on the Afghanistan/Pakistan border for 14 months and bringing 'all his Marines' home.  Jay was awarded the 'Bronze Star', Navy, Army and Marine Commendation Medal and Merritorious Service Medal.

Following his discharge he and his family relocated back to Fountain County, where he worked in construction with Jeff Schleter.  He designed his new home and built it with along with Jeff. They also built a few other houses but Jay had to slow down when his health failed.

Jay was a member of Sterling Christian Church and served as Swim Coach at Fountain Central High School until his health wouldn't allow it.  He was named 2018 'coach of the year' at the Crawfordsville IHSAA Sectional.  Jay enjoyed coaching his own children but held them to the same high standards he had for his other swimmers.  He enjoyed fishing and was a fan of the Bears, Cubs, Pacers and Boilermakers.

Surviving along with his wife Anita are: two sons: Samuel Rice and Jacob Rice, a daughter Mary Rice all at home.  His mother Jane Marlatt Rice of Newtown, brother, Phil (Carla) Rice of Wingate, two sisters LeeAnn (Jeff) Fruits of Newtown, his twin sister Jennifer Rice of Newtown, brother-in-law Steve Talbert of Covington. Nephews/nieces:  Chris, Jason, Aaron & Ashley Fruits, AJ, Daina, Andy, Daniel, & Timothy Rice, Megan, Stephanie & Benjamin Talbert. He was preceded in death by his father Lowell Rice and sister Melanie Rice Talbert.

Visitation hours are 4:00 – 8:00 PM Tuesday, July 12, 2022 and 10:00 – 11:00 AM Wednesday, July 13, 2022 with funeral services following at 11:00 AM with Pastor Dave Sims officiating, all held at Sterling Christian Church, Veedersburg.  Burial with Military Honors will follow in Newtown Cemetery.  Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate is assisting Jay's family.  The family prefers memorial contributions in lieu of flowers to the Fountain Central Youth Swimming Program.  Visit us online at www.familyand friendsfh.com to sign the guestbook or share a condolence.