Jim Scaman

1950 - 2024

Jim Scaman, 74, of Norfork, Arkansas, passed away on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024.

Jim was born on Nov. 6, 1950, to parents Ray and Hazel Scaman in Joliet, Illinois. After attending Morris High School, he worked at Joliet Caterpillar for 30 years. He brought joy to many with his Christmas trees and decorations, and his impact on the community was remarkable as he volunteered annually at the Corn Festival, the Morris Theater Guild, decorating Chapin Park, the luminaries, decorating downtown Morris with thousands of lights each year, and the Lighted Christmas Parade in Morris at Christmastime. He enjoyed planning weddings, bartending, his coffee groups in Morris and decorating homes for the Christmas Walk. He especially enjoyed the neighborhood parties that he hosted.

After retiring from Cat, Jim moved to Norfork, Arkansas, where he spent time boating, having Monday night potlucks on Prune Beach on Lake Norfork, cooking and baking, volunteering for the Rodney Jordan Volunteer Fire Protection District where he currently served as the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners.

Jim rose to the call when Baxter County was in need of additional election poll workers and was dedicated to serving the citizens thoughtfully, legally and with a smile. Jim loved playing dominoes on Saturday nights with family - he may not have won, but you would never have known it by his winning attitude. He operated his normal business hours of 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Norfork Cafe at his table with many folks rotating through each day to visit.

He enjoyed listening to live music at many venues, like the Pickin' Park in Mountain View, Arkana Community Center, Bull Shoals Park and organizing the Jordan Music Jam held twice a month at Rodney Jordan Fire Department. He was known for making deals at the fire department yard sale and would travel to the surrounding fire departments supporting them with their fundraisers. Jim organized drive-by music and dancing with the neighbors during COVID. He was always helping and making others laugh.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Hazel Scaman.

He is survived by numerous cousins, including Mari (Fred) Ruegsegger and Sarah, Alex, Ian, Andrew, and Elliott; and many more relatives and loving friends.

"We are honoring his wishes of cremation and a private service."

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rodney Jordan Volunteer Fire Protection District, P.O. Box 129, Pineville, AR 72566.

"Although Jim is gone, he will live in our hearts forever. He would not want you to grieve for him, but to spread kindness, share a smile and a laugh with others."