James Scott DeHaven

James Scott DeHaven, known to all as Scott, passed away on July 13, 2024, at the age of 84. Born on February 21, 1940, in Albany, Indiana, Scott's compassion, strength, and loyalty formed the foundation upon which his family flourished, and it is as a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a great-grandfather that he is most celebrated. "When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight," Kahlil Gibran wrote – words that resonate in Scott's wake, for he was nothing short of a delight to know and love.

Scott pursued higher education with intention, earning both his bachelor's degree in social studies and master's degree in deaf education from Ball State University in the same calendar year: the bachelor's in March of 1964, and the master's in August. As an educator, he dedicated himself to those most in need. He taught at the Indiana School for the Deaf in Indianapolis before later serving as the director of, and an instructor for, special education in Marion Community Schools.

However, it wasn't long before he was called back to the fields he had known and loved as home all along. He farmed his family's land in Randolph County diligently and wholeheartedly for 35 years. It was here that his connection to his community spread its roots earnestly. Scott led both the Parker Lions Club and the Antique Tractor Club as President, he maintained his membership with the Sons of the American Revolution, and he deepened his faith in the good company of Farmland Friends Church. His investment in his community extended to the mobile home park in Texas where he spent his winters for 25 years.

Scott is survived by his loving wife, Ann DeHaven, his soulmate for 63 years since the day the knot was tied on August 13, 1961; his daughter, Martha (Jay) Jackson, and son, Geoffrey (Amy) DeHaven; his grandchildren, Kylie Jackson, Kaitlyn (Jerrick) Adams, Rebecca (Sam) Love, and Andrew (Marisa) DeHaven; and his great-grandchildren, Grace and Russell Love. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Justine DeHaven, and his brother, David DeHaven.

The family has entrusted Wilson-Shook Funeral Home, Thornburg Memorial Chapel, with the arrangements for private services.

The many friends and family who mourn Scott's passing should take comfort in the words of Psalm 30:5: "Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning."