James (Jim) Earl Rector

James (Jim) Earl Rector, 87, of Conover, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at Carolina Caring Hospice House in Newton.

He was born June 4, 1935, in Catawba County, to the late George and Tessie Rector. Jim graduated with a business degree from ASU and married the love of his life, Margaret Louise Pope, on August 27, 1955.

He worked as a claims adjuster for First Security and Ohio Casualty. Jim enjoyed meeting and dealing with his clients. Those who knew him could see his love for Christ and his family and how he enjoyed working outside. He was a farmer at heart and throughout the years had big gardens and raised cows, pigs, and horses. In the last months when he was unable to do anything else, he pulled weeds in his pasture.

Jim loved talking to people and had many friends. He was very active in his church, St. Peter’s Lutheran, Conover where he was a Sunday School teacher for high school students for many years, a member of the Couples Club, served as an usher, held many church offices, and was a member of the LLL. He enjoyed giving the Lord’s Supper to shut-ins and the sick.

Jim was a family man who loved his wife, children, and grandchildren dearly. Papa/Papaw thoroughly enjoyed all his grandchildren and enjoyed playing with them, teaching them about life, and how to work hard and have fun. He loved to read any and everything. Jim had a strong faith in God and appreciated the many blessings given to him and his family. He always talked to visitors at church and made them feel welcome. His favorite saying was to kill people with kindness (win them over by being kind).

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, James Bradford (Brad) Rector; father and mother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. L. R. Pope; brothers, Bill Rector (Edna), Carl Rector (Sue Betty), and Johnny (Tut) Rector. His beloved wife of 67 years, Margaret Louise (Lou) Rector, joined him in heaven on Saturday, December 31, 2022.

Those left to cherish his memory include a daughter, Pam Rector Medlin (Scott); son, Steve Rector (Kim); grandchildren, Matthew McArthur (Louise), Joshua McArthur (Kayla), Ashley Rector, Chelse Rector, and Lance Rector; great-grandchildren, Mason McArthur and Liam McArthur; step-granddaughter, Cindy Medlin; step-great-grandchildren, Christian Queen and Kaitlyn Webb; daughter-in-law, Tammy Rector (Brad); sister, Shirley Capps (Jack); sister-in-law, Jannette Rector (Tut); and many nieces and nephews.

A joint service to celebrate the life of Jim and Lou will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at 3:00 p.m., at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Conover. Rev. Kevin Graudin and Rev. Eric Hauss will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service, from 1:00 to 2:45 p.m., at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

Memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church LLL (Lutheran Laymen’s League), 6175 St Peters Church Rd., Conover, NC 28613.

Condolences may be sent to the Rector Family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com.

The Rector Family is in the care of Bennett Funeral Service of Newton.