James Scott

SCOTT- James Allen Scott, aged 79, passed away Saturday, March 28, 2020, peacefully at his home after a brief battle with cancer.

Sergeant First Class Scott proudly served in the Michigan Army National Guard for 29 years. He was also a Veteran of the United States Air Force from 1959 to 1965. The discipline and patriotism he gained from his time in service never left him as his family and friends will attest to.

As an avid golfer and bowler, Jim competed with the military golf league and multiple bowling leagues. The love of golf also led him to be an abiding volunteer with the Meijer LPGA Classic each year. He was a longstanding member of his church home, Grand Rapids First and every Thursday night, you could find him at the Grand Valley Armory NCO Club surrounded by his closest of military family.

James is preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Virginia (Hendricks) Scott; daughter in law, Leah Vandlen Royce; grandson, Hunter McColley; his parents, Lowell and Jean Scott; and his sister, June Barber. He leaves his children, James (Sonja) Scott, Timothy (Angela) Scott, Thomas (Susan) Royce, Kevin (Deborah) Royce, Scott Royce, Daniel (Rebecca) Royce; his grandchildren, Amy (Mike) McColley, Jessika (Kenny) Hodson, Kali Royce, Sam Scott, Isaac (Stephanie) Jourden, Cooper Royce, Margaret Royce, Natalie Royce, Audrey Scott, Charlie Scott, Drew Royce; great grandchildren, Brooklyn Botello, Seth McColley, Riley Bassler, Lennox Schleh, Elijah Fulton, Simon Jourden, River Jourden; brothers Gil Scott, Lowell (Bonnie) Scott, Larry Scott; brothers and sisters in arms, and many close friends.

A memorial service with Military Honors will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 2894 Patterson Ave SE, Grand Rapids. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery office just prior to 10:30 AM where the cemetery staff will lead us in procession to the gravesite. Guests who arrive after 10:30 AM are asked to go directly to the Veteran’s section of the cemetery. Visitation will take place from our arrival at the gravesite until the service starts at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Grand Valley Armory NCO Club.

When reminiscing about Jim you remember his love of golf, to share his passion for golfing his family encourages all who attend to bring a golf ball, at the conclusion of the service stories will be shared about his life and the golf balls will be left with him. 

To share a photo, memory, and sign the family’s online guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com