Mr. James Terry Rector, 70, was born on March 7, 1954 in Davidson County, North Carolina, to the late Esther Mae Baucom Rector and James "JT" Craven. He passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at Atrium Health Pineville in Pineville, NC.

Affectionately called "Pot Gut", "Pot" and "Gut" by family and friends, James was educated in the Lexington City School System from elementary to high school. He graduated and received his High School Diploma from Davidson County Community College. He also received his Certificate in Diesel Mechanics from MTA Technical School, Greensboro, NC.

His employment journey included many years at Proctor and Schwartz, several years at Lowe's Millwork in Thomasville, NC and second shift at Lexington Specialty Foods "Jelly Plant," located in the Lexington (Wall-Town community), NC. James was last employed with Morgan Door Company (now JELD-WEN Windows & Doors), where he retired after health challenges. He enjoyed collecting coins and walking.

James experienced spirituality in different forms of faith, he has been of the Christian faith since a young age and was a member of Union Baptist Church in Lexington, NC. He also spent a period studying with the Jehovah Witnesses. James' openness to different faith communities reflects his value for God.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother-in-law, Louis Sheffield and his brother, Clarence Rector.

James will be remembered by his three sisters: Mary "Bootsie" Rector and Brinnie Rector Sheffield of Lexington, NC, and devoted caregiver, Elaine Rector of Winston-Salem, NC; an uncle, Edward Baucom of Palm Coast, Fl; five nephews, Roy Rector of Winston-Salem, NC and Michael (Anita) Barton of High Point, NC; Jose (Celena) Davis of Boiling Springs, SC; Jermaine Cardwell of Warm Springs, VA; and Brian Cardwell of Staunton, VA; a niece, Tina (Thomas) Wyatt of Salisbury, NC and a host of great-nephews and great-nieces, cousins, other family and friends.

Funeral service will be Saturday at Roberts Funeral Service at 1:00pm with family visitation at 12:30pm. Burial will follow at South Lexington City Cemetery.