James S. Stevens, Jr. was the Director, Division of of Parks and Recreation. Previously he worked as State Recreation Coordinator and Chief of Planning and Development for the Department of Natural and Economic Resources (1971-77); Director, Recreation Division (1969-71); Field Representative, Assistant Director, and Associate Director for the North Carolina Recreation Commission (1948-69); Director of Recreation for Glen Ridge, NJ (1947); Supervisor of 11 recreation centers in Greenwich, CT (1946-47); and Deck Officer and Welfare and Recreation Officer for the U.S. Navy (1944-46).

He received his B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of New Hampshire and a M.A. in Education with a specialization in Recreation from New York University.  

His professional affiliations include: North Carolina Recreation Society, American Recreation Society, National Recreation and Park Association, and many others. Awards and recognition he has received include: Fellow Award, American Recreation Society (1955); Meritorious Service Award, American Recreation Society (1956); Badge of Honor, West German Olympic Society (1957); Fellow Award, North Carolina Recreation and Park Society (1958); Certificate of Appreciation, North Carolina State University (1963); Distinguished Service Award, American Institute of Park Executives (1965); Distinguished Fellow Award, American Park and Recreation Society and NRPA (1970); Professional Recreators Award, Southern District Council, NRPA (1972); Special Citation for Special Committee, NRPA (1973); Outstanding Contributions to the Success of the Youth Conservation Corps, U.S. Department of Interior (1975); Mr. Chairman Award of the Year, American Park and Recreation Society, NRPA (1976); and National Distinguished Professional Award, NRPA (1982).