James Michael Rector

James Michael Rector, 70 years of age, of Lincoln, formerly of Beatrice passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at Bryan Medical Center East in Lincoln. He was born on July 7, 1946 in Beatrice to L. Vance and Della C. (Jurgens) Rector. Jim was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Beatrice and was a 1964 graduate of Beatrice High School. He married Sharilyn Doeden on June 2, 1967. Jim received his undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln in education and went on to teach middle school and high school mathematics for 30 years. He mentored countless youths through teaching, coaching wrestling and in more recent years, volunteering at Saratoga Elementary School in Lincoln.

Jim was active in the Beatrice Community for many years. He was a member of Key Club and Noon Kiwanis, served three terms on the City Council from 1983 to 1994 and was appointed by the mayor to complete a term in 1996. As a member of Southwood Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Jim was active in Christian education and the Saturday Morning Men’s Group. One of his passions was the Tanzania Global Missions Team, participating in eight mission trips. Jim was an avid reader, enjoying computer technology, classic cars, hunting and fishing, attending husker sports and assisting others with home maintenance projects.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sharilyn of Lincoln; son, Jay and wife Christy of Salina, Kansas; grandchildren, LT (USMC) Jordan Rector and wife Colleen of Iwakuni, Japan, Derrick Rector of Denver, Colorado, Alexandra, Kyle and Wyatt Rector of Salina, Kansas; great granddaughter, Lilly Rector; sister, Carol Jefferson and husband Jeff of Longmont, Colorado; brothers, Robert Rector and wife Gabrielle of Junction City, Kansas, Roger Rector and wife Hyein of Portland, Oregon; nieces, Sasha and Michelle Rector; nephew, Loren Rector; and numerous other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday, April 1, 2017 at Southwood Lutheran Church, 4301 Wilderness Hill Blvd., Lincoln with Pastors Greg Olson, Michael Ryan and Karl-John Stone officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Evergreen Home Cemetery in Beatrice. There will be no viewing or visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Southwood Lutheran Church Tanzania Scholarship Program in care of the mortuary. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in Beatrice in charge of arrangements. 

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