James Stanley Scott, 89, Knoxville, passed away March 31 peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Jim lived the majority of his life in Victoria and was known by all the Victoria kids as, “Big Jim.” Jim is survived by his wife of 69 years, Loudean (Oudy) Scott and his children, the four J’s, 3 sons James (and Cindy) Scott from Peoria, John Scott from Wataga, Joe Scott from Oneida, and one daughter, Jill Johnson (and Craig Carpenter) from Galesburg. Jim leaves behind 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Jim worked the majority of his life as a heavy equipment operator at coal mines in Victoria, Il and Petersburg, In. Jim retired in 1998 to spend time fishing, camping and traveling from Oregon to North Carolina to see family and friends. Jim and Lou took a cruise where they were featured in a spoof of the Newlywed Game and they were the oldest married couple in the game. Now, without getting into “whoopie” specifics, Jim had the crowd in stitches with his humorous answers. Big Jim, could always be found piddling around in his garage when not at work. He was always willing to help fix the neighborhood kids’ bicycle tires or weld home-made extensions for all the Victoria hill climbers. Summer Sundays we loaded up motorcycles and headed to hill climbs while Oudy packed lunches and PBR in the cooler. Jim spent a lot of time with his best friend and neighbor, Duane Larson under the buckeye tree in the backyard of his Victoria home. Jim was such an avid Cub fan he never missed a game in 2016, when they won the World Series.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Ida Kennaugh, his brother, Joe “Eddie” Scott, along with nieces Debbie White and Dawn Young and a nephew, Mike Caldwell. Per Jim’s wishes there will be a visitation from 11-1 eulogies beginning at 12:30 pm on Saturday, April 5, 2025. The family invites all to stay for this part of the service and not only listen to the stories but share any memories they have of how Jim touched their lives. A private burial for the family will follow after all eulogies are given. Donations may be made to Little John Conservation Club or the donor’s choice. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com
