John Christopher Rima

John Christopher Rima, 30, of Little Rock, was born in Fairbanks, Alaska March 24, 1980, passed away October 20, 2010 following a tragic accident. He had trained as a welder and had just been offered a new job the day he died. He was excited to be starting a new career. He is survived by his mother, Laura Rule, and her husband, Chris, of Little Rock, and his father, John Rima, and his wife, Vicki, of Hot Springs, Arkansas and his sister, Rebecca Rima, of Little Rock. Step-siblings Valerie Threadgill-Dodge and husband, Charles, and their children, Allison, Cade and Bradley, and Chip Threadgill and wife, Christina, and their son, Clayton, of Hot Springs also mourn his passing. He is survived by the light of his life, Avalynn Michelle Rima, 14 months, (m. Ashley Rankin). Chris is also survived by grandmother, Marilyn Hagberg; aunt, Jane Aston, and her daughter, Muriel; uncles John Hagberg, wife Tina; Robert Hagberg, wife Lucy, and their children Emily and Elliott; Mike Rima, wife Diane, and their son Michael; Tony Rima, wife Barbara, and their children Marjorie, Melissa, Kevin and Mark; Mark Rima, wife Susan, and their sons Mathew and Andrew. He is preceded in death by his cousin Stacy Rima. Scouting was a big part of Chris' adolescence. His father led his troop and they shared many memories, hiking trails, working on projects and attending jamborees. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at 17 and remained proud of this effort. Chris always loved being in the outdoors; going to the lake or floating the Buffalo, fishing with friends, and playing golf. Chris had a generous heart and giving spirit. Whether it was giving pairs of his mittens to kindergarten classmates who couldn't afford them, or spending time with others who were struggling, he always made time to help. Special prayers of thanks go to the medical staff and the trauma and nursing teams at UAMS, as well as the EMT's and firefighters who cared for him at the scene of the accident. You all did an exceptional job in the most difficult of circumstances. This Friday, October 22, at 1 p.m., we will have a funeral service to celebrate his life. The service will be held at Second Presbyterian Church 600 Pleasant Valley Drive, and a reception at the church will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Avalynn Michelle Rima Educational Trust, care of Laura Rule, Trustee 1819 Alberta Dr. Little Rock, Ark. 72227. To leave memories and condolences please visit www.rueberfuneralhome.com.