James M. "Jim" Scott

James M. "Jim" Scott, 85, died on February 2, 2020. His family and friends are saddened by his passing, buoyed by his legacy, and comforted they will reunite with him in Heaven. James's journey began June 25, 1934, in Calera, Okla., where he was born to Hubert and Myrtle Scott. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Foye Swan, of Stinnett, Texas, and his first son, James Michael Scott (Laura), of Hot Springs, Ark. He is survived by the love and pride of his life the past 65 years, Peggy (Bonds) Scott; daughters Terri Holmes (Byron) and Cynda Ramsay (Jim), both of Little Rock; son John Scott of Fayetteville; grandchildren Kyle Holmes (Morgan), Rachael Scott, Daniel Holmes (Ashlee-Paige), Bailey Scott, Claire Scott, and Jake Scott; two great granddaughters Charlotte Holmes and Ava-Lane Holmes; and many other relatives too numerous to list. James proudly knew Christ and was a member of Little Rock's Immanuel Baptist Church the past 55 Years. His earthly pride was his family, to whom he always beamed, "I love you, and I am proud of you." He also encouraged people from all circles of life with handwritten notes, motivational words, and "famous sayings." Reared in a rural Southeast Oklahoma shack with a well for water and wood stove for heat, his passion for basketball began with a goal in a dirt yard. He played from sunrise to sunset with all the kids in town. After moving to Borger, Texas, he progressed to the luxury of playing basketball on concrete park-courts, again sunrise to sunset. He graduated at 16, and a basketball scholarship was his currency for college. He excelled on the hardwoods and graduated with honors from West Texas State in Canyon, Texas. Most importantly, he met Peggy there in 1953, and they married in 1955. James achieved countless achievements and honors in basketball, including Conference MVP, setting the national NCAA free throw percentage record, playing in the NCAA tournament, and being selected to multiple Halls of Fame in Texas. James enjoyed basketball until his final days. He also influenced many youth, coaching, counseling, and even authoring a book targeted to young players. Professionally, James worked over 40 years in the insurance industry, serving in sales vice president capacities, while serving and being honored in many state and national organizations. He retired from Providential Life Insurance Company. Prior to and after retirement, James loved competing in golf, watching many sports, cooking unique meals, and truly appreciating any activity that was performed well, with discipline, and . . . ON TIME! A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, February 6, 2020 at Immanuel Baptist Church. The family would like to thank Parkway Village and James's hospice staff during James's final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the Immanuel Baptist general fund. To sign the online guestbook, visit: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.