James Recker Obituary

James G. Recker

James G. Recker, age 75, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2014, at St. Elizabeth Hospital. He was born December 23, 1938 in Appleton, the son of the late Alphonse H. and Marcella C. (Helser) Recker. James was a lifelong member of Zion Ev. Luthern Church, having been Baptized there on January 15, 1939 and Confirmed on March 29, 1953. He served on the Congregation Council and several committees, and was Congregation Secretary and Financial Secretary in the past. James was employed by Alex's Restaurants, first as a cook at Alex's Manor House and later as Business Manager of Alex's Crown. He was Alex's longest-employed employee with 28 years of service.

In addition to a deep love and caring for his Family, James was an avid genealogist and local historian and was the "unofficial" historian for Zion Lutheran Church. The highlights of his life were his work in the restaurant industry; serving as an Inspector of Elections through four Presidential elections, and of being on the Appleton Board of Canvassers during the 1996 Appleton Mayoral Election Crisis; as well as serving on the Centennial Committee of Columbus Elementary School (1989-90) and the publication of a family cookbook, "Cooking With the Relatives" in 2007.

James is survived by his sister, Diane A. (Jerome) Trendel, Appleton; four sisters-in-law: Audry (Donald), Marjorie (Robert), Myra (Ronald), and Crystal (David) Recker, as well as 15 nieces and nephews: Belinda A. (Ronald) Beschta, Randy A. ( Julie) Recker, Debbie A, (Gary) Peterson, Luanne M. (John) Gilmore, Daryl L. (Nancy) Recker, Linda K. (Marvin) Thiel, Scott A. (Lynn) Recker, Angela M. Farrier, Mark J. Recker, Cheryl A. (Scott) Soloman, Paul J. (Kathy) Recker, John P. (Barbara) Recker, Timothy J. (Kris) Mielke, Christine A. (Robert) Piso and Thomas B. Recker. He is further survived by special friends Rev. Leon (Joyce) Knitt, Monica F. Arnold, and Ruth A. Westenberger; and a special cousin Pamela K. Schultz and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers: Donald C. Recker (2005), Robert L. Recker (1998), Ronald L. Recker (2004), Richard H. Recker (2005), David R. Recker (2008) and Ralph H. Recker (1945); one sister, Barbara A. Recker (1956) and a brother-in-law, James C Mielke (1993); as well as a friend who was special in his life, Daniel J. Weiland.

The funeral service for James will be held at 11:00 a.m. on FRIDAY, September 26, 2014, at WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME, 537 North Superior St, Appleton, with Rev. Leon Knitt officiating. Friends may call the funeral home TODAY, THURSDAY, September 25, 2014, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wichmannfargo.com

The Recker family would like to thank Angela Farrier for her loving care of Jimmy over the past six months which allowed him to stay in his home. They would also like to especially thank Scott and Lynn Recker for their 24 hour a day, seven days a week, there at a moment's notice availability to Jimmy for whatever he needed.

"The Lord was his Shepard…and he will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

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Published by Appleton Post-Crescent from Sep. 24 to Sep. 25, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for James Recker

5 Entries

September 27, 2014

I will miss Jim very much, he was a very close friend for many years, we had a lots of stories from Alexes Crown that we shared and had some good laughes about things that happened over the years. We worked together on a lot of things through his years on this earth and I'm sure he will continue to work through the lord and keep us safe till all of us gather at gates of heaven! Thank you Jim for all you did for me(: Your friend in Jesus name Monica, Never say Good By

Bob Pawelkiewicz

September 25, 2014

I have a few select memories of Jim over the years-mostly in the past...and thanks to him, I have his cookbook! What a great family to be a part of! Rest in God's Peace. Your second cousin.

Linda and Andy V.

September 25, 2014

I never thought that when I talked to Jim last month that it would be the last time I ever got to talk to him again. I've known Jim ever since I started making the bakery at the Crown about thirty five years ago. He was a mentor to me and played a major part in my winning my first culinary competition and inspired me to become a chef. I will miss him dearly and have enjoyed seeing him for lunches with "the gang" this past year. He always made me feel like he was one of my biggest fans. Thank you for all the great memories my friend. My prayers are with Jim's family during this sad time. May you all find some peace in knowing that he is with God now and is probably managing the place already and has started a new page in his record books. And he's probably the host who will meet us all at the gate when our time comes. "Did you have
a reservation?"
in loving memory,
Linda and Andy V.

Harry Dorman

September 24, 2014

Jim made the best chicken booyah. Rest in peace, Jim.

Mary K. (Arps)Smith

September 24, 2014

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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