J. Scott

James Russell Scott peacefully joined the Heavenly Choir on December 19, 2014. He was born October 16, 1915 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and almost made it to his 100th Christmas. He grew up at 1464 South West Temple in his mother’s family home, which was part of Jefferson Ward. His father, James Latimer Scott, died unexpectedly in 1930 from blood poisoning after he cut himself on a saw while helping to construct South High School. Russ was only 14 years old, but became the head of the household. He cared for and financially helped support his mother and three younger siblings, seeing them through their educations, military service, missions, and marriage. He was the last family member of his generation to leave this life.
In 1936, he auditioned for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir by singing “Danny Boy.” He sang with the choir for many years as a tenor, and eventually, due to his helpful nature, became the stage manager. His most memorable Choir event was the European Tour in 1955, when he took his new bride, Joy Anna Wilbur, on a honeymoon with about 500 other people. He retired from the Tabernacle Choir in 1991 with the record for longest membership, having served there for over 53 years.
Dad wore many hats to support his family. In his youth, his mother counted on money from his paper route to feed the five of them. After he graduated from South High School, he got a job at a sign company. He broke his ankle in a fall from a ladder and had to give up the painting job. He next worked for Eitel-McCullough (EIMAC) in the manufacture of radio tubes, and met Mom there. At the age of 35, he was called to the Eastern States Mission, where he served for two years, largely in Tennessee and Kentucky. Mom waited for his return, and they were married on June 30, 1955 in the Salt Lake Temple. After marriage, Dad was largely self-employed, working for a time with his brothers at Scott Chemical Company. Later, he became the owner/manager of offices, including the Metropolitan Law Building and the Ambassador Plaza.
His family was the focus of Dad’s life. He attended recitals, concerts, games, and plays to be there for us. Family vacations to Disneyland, Mesa Verde, Yellowstone, Church History sites, Mount Rushmore, Hawaii, and an Alaskan cruise were highlights of our lives. All of the grandchildren had Grandpa there for support on their baptism days, including Caileigh, who was just baptized in California at the end of November. He provided blessings when we were sick, hugged us, and held our hands through all of the difficult times. His last words were, “Sure love you guys!”
Survived by his five children: Jamie (Michael) Kay, Paul Scott, Elizabeth (Richard) Diamond, Angela (Steven) Johnson, and Rusty (Jennifer) Scott. Twelve grandchildren also survive: Jennifer Scott (Jason) Hulsey, Chelsie Scott, Jeffrey Scott; Mykin Diamond (Jonathan) Race, Zachary Diamond, Alexander Diamond; Braxton Johnson, Miranda Johnson, Caileigh Johnson; Samuel Scott, Gabriel Scott, and Amelia Scott. So far, he has only one great-granddaughter, Adelyn Race. Preceded in death by his wife, Joy Anna Wilbur Scott; parents, James Latimer Scott and Lucy Russell Scott; siblings Ada Scott Thurgood, Robert Scott, Willard Scott, and their spouses; granddaughter Savannah Joy Scott, daughter of Rusty and Jennifer Scott.
Thanks to his friends at The Wellington and at Inspiration Hospice. Viewing Friday, December 26th, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Murray Memorial 5850 South 900 East. The funeral will be Saturday, December 27th at 1:00 p.m., with visitation an hour prior at Winder 3rd Ward 4551 South 1200 East. He will be buried beside Mom in Elysian Burial Gardens.
“Dad, we won’t be able to borrow any nickels for a while but we know we will get another chance …We love you and will miss you, until we meet again.”