James H. Rice was enlisted as 3rd Sergeant on April 2nd, 1862 in Captain McLean’s Company (Co. H, 6th Regiment Florida Infantry) by J. J. Finley at Mount Vernon Arsenal, Florida, for a period of 3 years or the war.

He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant on August 9th, 1862.

He was Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant effective on the July 24th, 1863.

He was captured at Nashville, Tennessee (Battle of Brentwood Hills) on December 16th, 1864. He appears on a Roll of Prisoners dated December 19th, 1864 which documents his arrival at the military prison at Louisville, Kentucky, and his transfer to Johnson Island Prison (Ohio) on December 20th, 1864. He appears on a Roll of Prisoners (undated) which documents his arrival at Johnson Island Prison (Ohio) on December 22nd, 1864. He is reported to be released under oath on June 17th, 1865.

His signature appears on an Oath of Allegiance dated June 17th, 1865. His place of residence is given as Mobile, Alabama; his description is given as fair complexion, dark hair, blue eyes, 5 ft 6 in tall.