Jeremy Daniel Rice

Jeremy Daniel Rice, age 24, passed on to his Heavenly Father on January 3rd, 2017 in Omaha, Nebraska from complications following a multi-organ transplant. He was the youngest of three boys born to his parents Jay and Valerie Rice, when he arrived at St. Joseph Hospital in Phoenix AZ on October 19th, 1992.

Jeremy grew up in his home on Willow Avenue in Peoria where he attended Oasis Elementary school, then later Centennial High School. He was active in Boy Scouts, earning the rank of Eagle by the time he turned 14 yrs old. His parents taught him he could accomplish anything he set his mind after, and he did. He was unstoppable in his determination and tenacity. Always the overweight, biggest kid in the class at school, he decided to lose weight and get into shape before junior high school. He signed up for wrestling in the 7th grade, when only later did we discover that his real motivation was "to beat up the bullies who'd been picking on him". His next goal was running. Fast running. Only later did we discover that his real motivation was "to CATCH the bullies who'd been picking on him!."

Starting high school at Centennial, Jeremy signed up for Cross Country in his freshmen year. He was so slow, his performance was so bad and the coach was dismayed. It was suggested that he try a different sport -- "like swimming... or tennis.." That suggestion only fueled Jeremy's ambition further and he was to tell his parents later that he made it his goal right then & there to not only stick with it but that he would make it to the Varsity team by his senior year!.. He not only made it to Varsity but he was also chosen to be captain of the team in his senior year.

He always set his goals high, setting his sights on becoming a doctor at a young age. When he graduated from high School in 2011 he applied and was nominated to the US Naval Academy two years consecutively by both US Senator Jon Kyle and US Representative Trent Franks. Ultimately his health issues prevented appointment. Undeterred he attended Glendale Community College with the goal of completing his Associates degree in 1 year and he earned that degree by December 2012, graduating with "Highest Distinction of Honors".

In preparation for medical school Jeremy attended BYU in Provo, Utah in order to earn his Bachelors degree. He had just completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and had been applying to medical colleges when he suffered a near-fatal blockage & strangulation of his small intestines in April 2016. The strangulation occurred just inches below his stomach and because he had already had his large colon removed in 2015 due to ulcerative colitis, he was now without intestines or colon, leaving him virtually unable to absorb life sustaining nutrients and/or hydration. Now 100% dependent on IVs for all of his nutritional & hydration needs, his life as he knew it was over.

Though required to wear a backpack 24/7 which supplied his daily nutritional & fluid needs, Jeremy continued to pursue his goals. He was scheduled to take his entrance exam for medical school (MCAT) that summer and nothing would stop him from getting the very highest score that he could. He was at the college library studying the very next day after being discharged from the hospital. However by the time he went in to take the difficult exam he had already begun to suffer liver failure as a direct result of the continuous nutritional infusions. He did not score nearly as high as he'd prepared and hoped for, but that ended up being a blessing in disguise as we later learned, for he was able to relax and genuinely enjoy the last 3 months of his life.

Those who knew Jeremy well, knew how serious he was about exercise and how much he loved he gym. Despite every surgical set back, he rebuilt himself the best he could while helping train others at the gym. His desire in life was to be strong and give others a lift in their outlook on life. He always encouraged others to strive to do their best no matter their circumstances. He exemplified this belief in the way he conquered every challenge he faced. He lived life on his terms and died in a similar way… #JEREMYSTRONG. Every one of whom he touched was strengthened and will miss him deeply.

Jeremy is survived by his parents Jay and Valerie; Grandmother Jeannee; his two brothers and their families: Joshua Arnold w/wife Hayley, Justin Rice w/wife Jamie; Uncles: Jeff Rice, Mike Delaney and Richard Delaney w/wife Cheri; Aunts: Nancy Estrada-Cremeans w/husband Tim, Kirsten Bauman w/husband David, Kandi Linz w/husband Wes; Great Aunts and Uncles: Beverley & Joe Roark, Patti & Robert Rice, Pam Rice. He also leaves behind one nephew, one niece and many cousins.

Visitation will be Friday Jan 20, 2017 starting at 6:30 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 5104 West Pinnacle Peak Rd, Glendale, AZ. Funeral Services will begin at 11:00 on January 21st at the same location. Burial will take place at the Enterprise City Cemetery, Enterprise, Utah on January 25th at 1:00 pm.

Provo LDS 5th Stake will host a memorial service at the Multi-Stake Building in Provo, Utah on Friday, January 27, 2017 starting at 6:00 pm for his Utah friends and family. Please join us as we celebrate Jeremy’s short but well lived life.

Just Away

If you could see where I have gone

the beauty of this place.

And how it feels to know you’re home

to see the Savior’s face.

To wake in peace and know no fear

joy beyond compare ..

While still on earth you miss me yet

you wouldn’t want me there

If you could see where I have gone

had made the trip with me ..

You’d know I didn’t go alone

the Savior came with me.

When I awoke, He was by my side

and reached down His hand ..

Said, “Hurry, you’re going home

to a grand and glorious land.”

Don’t worry over those you love

for I’m not just with you ..

And don’t you know when you’re with me

they’ll long to be here, too?”

If you could see where I have gone

and see what I’ve been shown

You’d never know another fear

or ever feel alone.

You’d marvel at the grace of God

His hand on every life ..

And realize He really cares

And bears with us each strife

And that he weeps when one is lost just

His heart is filled with pain ..

But Oh the joy when one comes home

A child a home again.

If you could see where I have gone

Could stay awhile with me ..

Could share the things that God

has made to grace eternity.

You would never, ever leave

Once heaven’s joy you’d known ..

You couldn’t bear to walk earth’s path

Once heaven was you home.

If you could see where I have gone

You’d know we’ll meet someday ..

And though I’m parted from you now

I am just away.

And not that I’m home with Him

Secure in every way ..

I’m waiting here at heaven’s door

to greet you some sweet day.

-author Unknown