Mr. James Rodney Scott, of Savannah, passed away Monday, September 14, 2026 after a valiant fight against Parkinson's Disease at the age of 86.

Mr. Scott was born on July 15, 1940 in Savannah to the late William Rodney Scott and the late Lillian McElveen Scott. He graduated from Savannah High in 1959, where he excelled at athletics and woodworking.

After high school, Mr. Scott entered the Marine Corps and remained a lifelong Marine at heart. Upon completing his time of service, he spent some time in Ft. Lauderdale, where he shared tales of being a raceway driver, radio disc jockey, and poolside photography assistant to blonde bombshell Jayne Mansfield, complete with leopard print bikini.

Upon his return to Savannah, Mr. Scott happened to encounter a cousin at the Triple X Drive-in, and asked to be introduced to her friend, Nell Mayes. He vowed to call said friend, but level-headed Nell Mayes paid little attention…

The couple was married on October 26th, 1963 and remained so until his death. Mr. Scott would go on to be a longtime employee of American Cyanamid, later acquired by Kemira.

He became active in the Savannah Stryders, and thoroughly enjoyed the jogging phase of his life. He was also an avid golfer, later donating his clubs to less fortunate youth when mobility became a problem. He was a longtime member of the Methodist Church.

In his later years, Mr. Scott remained a devoted husband, father, and grandfather to his three grandsons, doting on Grahame Scott, Jackson, and Samuel Giles, respectively.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Nell Mayes Scott; son, James Rodney "Jay" Scott, Jr.; and daughter Julie Giles (Keith).

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Alzheimer's Association .