James Montgomery Rice (March 8, 1842 – April 11, 1912) was an American soldier (Colonel),[1][2] lawyer, and member of the Illinois House of Representatives[3] who contributed to the establishment of the United States National Guard.

[4] Recalling his experience in the American Civil War, Rice was concerned with the organizational structure, lack of standardization in leader qualifications and professional development, low levels of individual and unit training and readiness, and inadequate uniforms and equipment.

He joined the executive staff in 1890 alongside Charles Dick who would become president in 1902 and sponsor the Militia Act of 1903, officially establishing the United States National Guard.

In 1892, Rice authored the Range Manual and Score Record[11] and Small Arms Practice for National Guard,[12] which are adopted as doctrine nationwide.

During the golden age of fraternalism, Rice assisted in organizing the Grand Army of the Republic Bryner Post #67 in Peoria, Illinois.