SCAS Mourns Loss of Long-time Member and Friend Jim Pederson

By Ned Steel


Jim Pedersen was a long-time member of the Space Coast Audubon Society

He is the immediate past President of the Merritt Island Wildlife Association.    We support and contribute to the MINWR.  With Jim's leadership, we have grown to be the largest Refuge Friends Group in the US.

Jim taught Science at Titusville High, Astronaut High and Brevard Community College for more than 30 years.

In addition to being the MIWA President, Jim was also a Refuge Volunteer for many years. He and I led Beginning Birding and various other Nature Tours several times a week at the MI Refuge for about 10 years.

He was Camp Director for the Youth Conservation Corps at the Refuge in the late 1970's.

Jim and I and several other Teachers taught a Summer Environmental Education/Conservation Course at Astronaut High for about 15 years. Jim wrote the annual State Grant Applications each year that secured this Education Grant for us.

For 20+ years, Jim has been involved with the Sea Turtle Nest Protection Program at the Canaveral National Seashore

At Jim's Church Service, Dr. Fred Johnson delivered the Eulogy.  Dr. Johnson said that many, many of us gathered there that day would say that Jim Pedersen was their Best Friend-he was that kind of person.  Jim Pedersen was my Best Friend.

For more inspiration, go on facebook and check this out. "Remembering Mr. Pedersen"  https://www.facebook.com/events/208139255947254/

He was loved by so many.

Ned