James Randall Scott, 81, of Wheelersburg, Ohio, affectionately known by his many names: Jimmy, Swabby, Scotty, and Jim, peacefully passed away on April 11, 2024. Born to Abel and Anna (Nee: Mounts) Scott on November 21, 1942, in Fort Gay, WV. His life personified the essence of being from “down in the hills”, “a Sailor”, and “a Railroader”, his life journey woven together with the love of many family and friends.
Jim was known for his big personality, his sense of humor, and his outgoing nature. He was well thought of by many, and his energy would light up a room whenever he was present.
Known as Jimmy in his younger years, his life was filled with his love of small-town life-long friends, his passion for cars, and the thrill of “runnin’ the backroads” down around Fort Gay, WV. With his spirited nature, he kept his mother and daddy on their toes with his antics. Enlisting in the United States Navy in 1960, he proudly served his country for 4 years, experiencing a much bigger world than Fort Gay, and earning him the enduring nickname Swabby upon his return home. Hiring onto the railroad, he spent 43 years as a heavy equipment operator, where he was fondly named by other railroaders Scotty. His love and dedication to “railroading” was evident to all who knew him, leaving behind a legacy cherished by many, some on the railroad even regarding him as “dad” for his seniority and wisdom in his long service.
After his retirement, Jim was known for keeping busy around town doing hospital valet and flower deliveries and working around his home and in his yard. He did not let the grass grow under his feet. In his leisure time, Jim found joy spending time with his friends at Whitey’s Music Barn, where he enjoyed listening to music and spending time with friends old and new.
Surviving and at the center of Jim’s world are his cherished daughter and only child, Angelia (Angie Herrick) and his cherished longtime companion Sharlon Evans, both of whom he adored beyond measure. Jim thought the world of his son-in-law Dennis Herrick and he took great pride in his grandsons, Kyle and Cody Townsend and step-granddaughter, Alyvia Herrick. He also found great joy with his great-grandchildren, Hayden Townsend and Lillian Townsend and held a special place in his heart for Sharlon’s three sons, Marty Evans, Timmy Evans, and Allen Evans. Jim is also survived by his eldest sister, Edna Octavia Robertson, 90 of Mansfield, Ohio, Sister-in-law Laura Dawson Scott, 77 of Louisa, Kentucky and many wonderful nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Abel and Anna, along with his siblings George Andrew, Barbara Gail and Larry Joe.
As we say “until we meet again”, we honor a life lived in adventure, laughter, and boundless love. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched, forever cherished and remembered.
Memorial Service will be held on Thursday April 18th at 1:00 p.m. with Military Honors from American Legion Post #23, all at FC Daehler Mortuary, 915 Ninth Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662.
Please visit www.fcdaehlermortuary.com to leave a special memory of Jimmy, condolences for his family.
