The papers of James Calhoun Rice consist primarily of correspondence: personal correspondence from October 21, 1939, through December 31, 1971; correspondence and material concerning Lake St. John; correspondence in 1951 concerning the health of one of Dr. Rice's patients, Miss Willie Allen; letters to the editor of the "Natchez Democrat"; and letters of reference from 1943 and 1956. Also included are a summary of the educational background of Dr. James C. Rice; a general warranty deed of land conveyance dated September 17, 1921; speeches to the Civitan Club and to the citizens of Natchez; a scrapbook containing various news articles; and miscellaneous material.

Cite as: Z/1370.000: Rice (James Calhoun) Papers.

James Calhoun Rice was born in Tallahatchie County on August 4, 1889. He was the son of Lent Irwin and Anne (Pressgrove) Rice. James Rice received his preliminary education in the rural schools of Tallahatchie County, graduating from Charleston High School. He then attended Mississippi College and the University of Mississippi, following which he completed graduate studies at the University of Galveston. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree at the Tulane University Medical School. Dr. Rice subsequently established his practice at Natchez and in 1925 was co-founder with Dr. John Chamberlain and Dr. Charles Chamberlain of the Chamberlain-Rice Hospital; this hospital later became Natchez General. Dr. Rice was one of the first specialists in radiology in the State of Mississippi. During his career he taught nursing classes and was an instructor in general medical services for medical students. He retired in 1964. A Democrat, he was elected without opposition to the Mississippi State Senate and served one term in the legislative body. Dr. Rice was a member of the Natchez Civic Club and in 1939 was awarded the Citizenship Trophy from the City of Natchez and Adams County for "outstanding civic progressiveness."