James Fleming Scott, 86
James Fleming Scott, 86, spontaneous in song, outdoor enthusiast, competitive sportsman, pastor, loving father and husband, passed peacefully to his Father’s arms on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008, in Sandpoint, Idaho.
Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 1, 2008, at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sandpoint with Pastor Steve Nickodemus officiating.
Jim was born on Dec. 19, 1921, to Fred and Nellie Scott in Honolulu, Hawaii. The family lived in San Antonio, Texas, for a few years before moving to Alameda, Calif.
Jim graduated from Alameda High School in 1939, and then from the University of California in 1943. Officer training for the Navy immediately followed. He married Lois McKenna on Dec. 25, 1943, in Berkeley, Calif., and then served on a sub-chasing patrol craft in the English Channel through World War II.
Following the war Jim and Lois returned to Berkeley, where he continued his education at U.C. and at the San Francisco Theological Seminary. He graduated in 1951 and was ordained as a Presbyterian minister. Their first parish was in Vallejo, Calif., the second in Tahoe Valley, Calif., the third in Chehalis, Wash., and the last here in Sandpoint. After retirement in 1984, they were asked to start a new church in Eagle River, Alaska. That mission was accomplished in March 1985. Later, Jim served as interim pastor in Coulee City, Wash., where he had previously served an internship during his seminary days.
Jim loved to sing from his earliest days until his last. He knew dozens of songs, and would often erupt with an appropriate song whenever the opportunity was presented. He enjoyed sharing his effervescent love for life through music.
Jim was a great outdoors man, conservationist. He shared his enthusiasm of the great outdoors by leading youth group outings and hikes through his ministry. He began cross-country skiing while living in Tahoe Valley, and quickly developed a smooth and beautiful stride. He competed as often as he could after retirement, both locally and nationally. His ubiquitous presence on the Schweitzer ski trails led to the local “Great Scott” annual race being named after him. In summer he competed in triathlons, bike races, and sculling races.
Jim and Lois traveled to many Elderhostel programs in many parts of the country, and once to France. There were other trips to England, Scotland, Ireland, and Sweden, which provided wonderful experiences. Jim had a love of learning that lasted throughout his life, sharing challenging ideas with others.
Jim was very proud of all his family, and he is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lois Scott of Sandpoint; a daughter, Janet (Voldy) Mierau of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; three sons, Paul (Pam) Scott of Richland, Wash., Rob (Claudia) Scott of Seattle, Wash., and Tim (Nancy) Scott of Everson, Wash.; 10 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; and a sister, Barbara Gammons of Pacific Grove, Calif.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Robert Scott.
Memorial donations may be made to Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1900 W. Pine St., Sandpoint, ID 83864; or Love Inc. of Bonner County, PO Box 2515, Sandpoint, ID 83864.
Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Jim’s memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his online guest book.