Jeffrey Scott Paisley

May 18, 1954 - July 27, 2024 The Committee has been laid to rest. Jeffrey Scott Paisley, lovingly known as Scott by his family, passed away on July 27th, 2024, at 70. Born on May 18th, 1954, to Christine and Donald Paisley, Scott was a cherished son, brother, husband, uncle, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Scott was a brilliant and accomplished individual with a passion for knowledge, culture, and the finer things in life. Raised in Saratoga, Calif., Scott excelled academically and was a standout student throughout his educational journey. He graduated from Saratoga High School in 1972, serving as the president of his class, editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, and participating in long-distance running on the track and cross-country teams. Scott's dedication to excellence continued at UCLA, where he earned both his undergraduate and law degrees in 1976 and '79. Scott served as the Dykstra Dorm President during his undergraduate years, and later, while in law school, he participated in the UCLA Moot Court and graduated with the prestigious Order of the Coif honor. Scott also passed the Bar exam on his first attempt, a testament to his sharp intellect and commitment.
Scott married his wife, Gayle, in a small ceremony in Lake Tahoe with his close friends "The Boys" in attendance in June of 1983. Tahoe would be a staple of their marriage, as Scott began the tradition of the annual "Boys Open" golf tournament he organized during Fourth of July weekends starting in 1994 for 18 years. He harkened back to his high school newspaper days, calling himself the oxymoronic "The Committee", writing tournament previews and recaps –– leaving no player unscathed in ridicule –– and scheduling out the entire weekend to the hour, including his needed daily naps. Despite attempts by others to take his "Best Dressed" crown, Scott always awarded it to himself. These weekends were filled with Scott beaming amidst friends, fireworks, river rafting, and boisterous laughter. The couple separated in 2012 but remained close throughout the rest of Scott's life.
Scott began his career at the law firm Johnson Manfredi and Thorpe, but soon transitioned to a role at AT&T, where he found fulfillment and built a long, distinguished career. Despite a brief stint at Twentieth Century Fox, which aligned with his love for the movie industry, Scott ultimately returned to AT&T, where he rose through the ranks to become the head of the San Diego legal team, and later moved to San Francisco, taking charge of litigation in multiple states.
Scott's love for movies and pop culture was a defining characteristic of his life. A devoted fan of James Bond, he never missed an Academy Awards ceremony, often traveling to watch with his father, who was also an avid movie buff. He routinely sent photos of Brad Pitt and other good-looking actors to his high school reunions as his headshot. Scott also had a deep appreciation for music, particularly The Beatles and The Beach Boys.
In addition to his professional achievements and cultural interests, Scott was a man of many talents and hobbies. He loved playing games, particularly cards and Trivial Pursuit, and later developed a passion for golf. Scott was known for his witty, sometimes biting sense of humor but was always quick to laugh and make a joke. He curated a wonderful rooftop garden in his San Francisco apartment. Scott was direct and honest, always asking interesting and personal questions that showed his genuine interest in others' lives. He brought joy to those around him, whether through his clever remarks, thoughtful gifts like the Shaun Cassidy record album with a life-size poster to his sister that made Christmas unforgettable, or the countless hours he spent playing in the water at the beach and pool with his siblings during summer breaks.
Scott is survived by his former wife, Gayle; his beloved cat, NOLA; his brothers and sisters, Charlie, Christopher, Donelle, and Mark; nieces and nephews, Blake, Caden, Erica, Jack, Kent, and Reice. Whether offering legal advice, sharing a laugh, or simply being there, Scott was a reliable presence in the lives of many. He is remembered for his intelligence, humor, and unwavering support to those he loved. Scott will be buried at Madronia Cemetery in Saratoga, Calif., on October 18th at 11:00 a.m., with a celebration of life to follow. Please contact the family for more details.