James H. "Jim" Rector, age 81, of Springfield, MO passed away February 18, 2016.   He was born June 29, 1934 to William H. "Bill" Rector and Della (Boore) Rector in Neodesha, KS. He attended school there until 1951 when he moved with his parents to Greenfield, MO. He graduated from High School in Greenfield in 1952. He enjoyed playing football and basketball!

Jim served in the US Navy from 1952 until 1956. He was stationed on the USS Colonial, ( LSD-18). He was a pipefitter and involved in the evacuation of the Tachen Islands and also spent some time in Japan.  His last 12 months he was on shore duty in Bremerton, WA and was staying on the USS Missouri. He played center on the top ranking basketball team at the Bremerton Navy yard Washington where 11 different teams were involved. When leaving the service he was a 2nd Class Pipefitter.

After returning to Greenfield, MO he married Melba Ann Allison on August 31, 1957. They have two daughters: Ardyth Ann Neill, wife of Jerry Neill; and Allison Jane Rector. Two grandchildren, Mason and Madison North.

In 1962 Jim graduated from Drury College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree. He was employed in Springfield MO with Reyco Industries in the Sales Department holding various positions and eventually being Director of Marketing. He called on several businesses throughout the US and enjoyed playing Golf with some of the employees.

After retiring he worked at Tandy Leather. He enjoyed leather work, latchhook, needle work and carpentry. He was an avid reader especially enjoying Westerns, Spies and Espionage, Suspense, Biographies, and Historical Novels.

Jim joined the Methodist Church in Neodesha, KS and has continued being a member in various locations. Was especially active in the church in Claremore, OK from 1966-70. He belonged to several organizations where he had many friends. He especially participated in the Elks and the Shrine.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Della; three sisters: June Jones, Rena Wint Williams, and Jean Woodman Bowman. He is survived by his wife Melba, daughters Ardyth and Allison, grandchildren Mason and Madison, and brother-in-law Eugene (Amy Lee) Allison. Several nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole, Springfield, MO. A private burial will be held at the Pennsboro Cemetery in Dade County.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heifer Foundation, P O Box 727, Little Rock, AR 72203 for the family endowment or to the charity or organization of your choice.