James M. Scott, age 90, passed away on Monday, November 6, 2023. He was born in Aurora, IL on July 16, 1933, the son of James F. and Muriel (Johnson) Scott. James lived on the family farm on Wheeler Road in Big Rock Township his entire life. He was the fourth generation to farm the land.
He attended Big Rock grade and high school as well as Northern Illinois State Teachers College in DeKalb, IL. Mr. Scott served in the United States Army during the Korean War as a Personnel Officer, stationed at Fort Meade, MD. He returned home from service in 1956 and began farming in 1957 on Wheeler Rd.
James was united in marriage on March 5, 1960 to Miss Marion M. Stevens of St. Charles, IL which resulted in the birth of two children; Bradley and Paula. They spent the next 63 years happily together.
He became involved with Kane DuPage Soil and Water Conservation District and served on the board for about ten years. James became familiar with Big Rock Drainage District #2 while working the home farm and served as president for many years. He was also elected president of Big Rock – Sugar Grove Park District and served one term. He was asked to run for trustee on the Big Rock Township board and served two terms.
James was a long-time member of the English Congregational United Church of Christ and served as a trustee in Big Rock, IL. A favorite pastime was attending traditional jazz concerts and festivals all over the U.S. and was a charter member of the Illiana Club of Traditional Jazz. Some of his favorite excursions involved traveling most of the United States and a few countries in Europe. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle who will be missed by all who knew him.
James is survived by his wife, Marion Scott of Big Rock, IL; his children, Bradley (Joan) Scott of Big Rock, IL and Paula Mesch of Wheaton, IL; his grandchildren, Emily (Nathan) Paxton, Anna (Kyle) Schweikert, Andrew (Alyssa) Scott, Tyler (Rachel) Scott, J.T. Mesch, Justin Mesch, and Lacey (Jason) Kuta; and his seven great-grandchildren; his sister, Dorothy Ann Owens of Lena, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Muriel Scott.
A funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at the English Congregational United Church of Christ, 301 Rhodes Street, Big Rock, IL. Interment will follow in West Big Rock Cemetery in Big Rock, IL.
Friends may visit from 10:00 AM until the Hour of Service on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at the English Congregational United Church of Christ in Big Rock.
Memorial contributions in memory of James may be made to the Big Rock Fire Department.
Arrangements made by Nelson Funeral Home & Crematory, www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com 815-286-3247.
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