Obituary of James Owen Recor

James Owen Recor, age 80, of Ocala, Florida, passed away on Monday February 13, 2023.  He was the son of Owen and Irene (LaVigne) Recor.

He is survived by his brothers George and Ken (Mary Lou), and his sister Kathleen Brunett (Jim); and ten nephews and nieces.

Jim was born and raised in Detroit and quickly developed a love for camping and the outdoors that would define him for the rest of his life.  He graduated from Art School with a degree in Advertising Design in Detroit, and later went on to earn a degree in Business Management in Tampa.  

His scouting leadership role started at age 19 when he was Assistant Scoutmaster, and three years later, Scoutmaster of a newly created troop.  Drafted into the Army, he was immediately made Scoutmaster of a troop in Fort Knox, and only a few months later, was appointed by the Army as a full-time Scouting Liaison Officer, with the responsibility of coordinating the 47 Scout units at the Fort.

He continued serving as District Executive in a number of units in Michigan and around Jacksonville, Fl.   Jim had the special talent of enlisting the active participation of others everywhere he worked.   He was also a very respected teacher of skills, serving as crafts director, archery and rifle range instructor, camp and program director. 

In addition to Scouting, Jim was also an active member of the Rotary Club for many years and worked as a professional photographer, a commercial artist, magazine layout artist, and was in commercial sales.  He was also an avid traveler, having taken nearly 50 cruises and many tours to all the continents. 

A viewing will be held at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services TimberRidge, 9695 110^th St, Ocala on February 19^th from 4 to 7PM, and a funeral Mass will be held at St. Jude Catholic Church, 443 Marion Oaks Dr, Ocala on February 20 at 10AM. Interment will be at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell on Tuesday, February, 21, at 10:30AM.