Jim was born December 2, 1932, in Carthage, Illinois to Lyle and Clarice Scott. He spent his childhood and adolescent years in Carthage, Illinois. Dr. Scott graduated from Carthage College with a bachelor's degree, Master's degree from Illinois State University and completed his Doctorate in Physical Education from the University of Missouri. He served in the U.S. Marine Reserves, and the U.S. Army.

Dr. Scott, Professor at Illinois State University, spent over 35 years teaching and Coaching at University High School, Normal, IL. Teaching Physical Education and Health Classes at U-High, coaching multiple sports, including Head Baseball, Head Girls and Boys Swimming, and Head Boys Golf Coach. He also lectured at Illinois State University and supervised many student teachers. Coach Scott also valued the many students, athletes, and other coaches with whom he kept in touch with over the years.

He was a member of the Carthage College Athletic Hall of Fame, Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame, and University High School Alumni Association - Friend of U-High. Coach Scott and Illinois State University baseball Coach Duffy Bass (Deceased), were regularly active in American Legion Baseball, Baseball Camps and Clinics, and participated in a coaching clinic in Asahikawa, Japan (Bloomington - Normal's Sister City).

Jim is survived by his loving wife Carol Ruth (Zerbst) Scott. Sons: Roger Scott, Steve Scott, Tom Scott, and Jim Scott. Grandchildren: Meghan Moser, Austin Scott, Lauren Gauthier, Jackson Scott, Joshua Scott, T.J. Scott, Carley Scott, and 3 Great Grandchildren. Sister Laura Ann Carle of Carthage, IL; and all his beloved nieces and nephews: Kim Krieg, Pam Dion, Scott Carle, Joel Ellefritz, and Jana Kay Snodgrass.

Dr. Jimmy Dan Scott was preceded in death by his Father Lyle Scott and Mother Clarice (Duncan) Scott of Carthage, IL, older Brother Keith Scott of Casa Grande, Arizona, youngest Sister Sandy Ellefritz of Ferris, IL, and Niece Jan Carle of Carthage, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Lyle and Clarice Scott Scholarship Foundation at Illini West High School C/O Ryan Bliss, 600 Miller St. Carthage, IL 62321.

A private Family Interment Service will be held at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Bloomington, IL. Beck Memorial Home in Bloomington is handling arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.beckmemorial.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Pantagraph on Oct. 17, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Jimmy Scott

Sponsored by Beck Memorial Home.

21 Entries

Earl Dunbar

October 20, 2023

I will never forget "Jungle Jim" - he gave me, a disabled student, the job of being a manager of the U-High baseball team. His care and kindness made a huge difference in my life, in the life of someone who really wanted to just be a regular guy.

Jim, you made a difference, and your entire family should know this and be proud.

Olive Swearingen

May 2, 2022

Coach Scott positively influenced so many through the years. He was indeed a rare sincere dedicated coach and friend to all who knew him
Sincere condolences to the family

Frank and Jean Chiodo

October 21, 2021

Thinking of you and your family.

Tom Brown

October 22, 2020

Coach Scott was not only an athletic coach, he was truly a life coach. More importantly, he was a wonderful father to Roger,Steve, Tommy and Jim! May his memories be a blessing to all the people he touched!

David Schramm

October 20, 2020

My prayers are with the Scott family. He and Carol raised a wonderful family together. Coach Scott was a big influence on building my determintion and effort, tough but fair. 4 great sons to carry on. Our loss, Heaven's gain.

Mark Cottone

October 20, 2020

My sympathy for the Scott family. Coach Scott was a great person and coach and i know i loved playing for him in any sport i was playing he was hard but fair great times. Praying for the family

John and Nancy Wolter

October 19, 2020

We extend our deepest sympathy to the entire Scott family. Our children benefited from being coached by Coach Scott while at University High. We are so sorry for your loss.

John and Joyce Kamp

October 18, 2020

Steve and Nancy, You have our Deepest Sympathy. We are so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in Good Memories of your Dad. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you.

Dave Gannaway

October 18, 2020

Coach Scott was a very good educator and a great coach. His influence on his students and his athletes were second to none always teaching the life lessons that was needed for success. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Scott family.

Brett Ellis

October 18, 2020

Loved coach Scott. He was like a 2nd father to many of us and did his best to keep us on the straight and narrow. Also very talented coach.Leafned a lot from him that I've passed down to players in Florida

Richard Wisner

October 18, 2020

Arline & I met Carol & Jim in 1956 at Bloomington Housing Authority. The Scotts proceeded to teach us how to play bridge. Later we moved into an apartment on Fell Avenue above the Scotts. The Scotts were wonderful friends & neighbors. We have many fond memories.

Barb & Ken Metroff

October 17, 2020

Carol & family,
We are so sorry to hear of Jim´s passing. Many prayers for your family.

Patrick and Nancy Nichting

October 17, 2020

Steve and Nancy our prayers are with you doing this very tough time. After reading more about him he touched so many and served in abundance to his community. I bet many of my family from Bloomington knew him.

Gene Lee

October 17, 2020

Scotty was my first basketball coach at
Uhigh and was followed by Bob Metcalf. Both have now passed on from this life. Both wonderful gentlemen and great people. Hope to see them in heaven on day.

Jean and Frank Chiodo

October 17, 2020

Sorry to hear of Jim´s passing. What a great coach

James OConnor

October 17, 2020

My utmost sympathy to Coach Scott and his family. Please take comfort in the fact that he made a profound difference in my life and certainty in the countless lives of hundreds if not thousands of young people he taught, mentored or coached. His legacy lives on in his family and in all the young people he touched and influenced. He was the real article. He was someone who really did make a difference on the positive side of life´s ledger. Be proud in knowing that truth and God bless your family.

Tom Barger

October 17, 2020

A marvelous man whom I have known since his arrival at U. High in 1957. Literally thousands of young people have been the beneficiaries of his excellence as a coach and educator. He will be sorely missed.

Michael Macesich

October 17, 2020

Coach Scott was one in a group of very talented coaches at University High School. We were very fortunate to have him to teach and motivate us all. His creation of the "Goon Squad" was one of the favorites!

Hal Chiodo

October 17, 2020

Coach taught great discipline to a lot of us. We are all grateful to have him as our coach.

Lori Koehler-Brown

October 17, 2020

Prayers and sympathy to you all. Coach always had a great smile and a warm hello - a really nice man. I´m sorry for your loss.

Doug Deavers

October 17, 2020

My deepest sympathies to the Scott family. Playing for Coach Scott was a pleasure. He was one of the individuals that influenced my life over the years.

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results