Obituary of James Robert Scott

James “Jim” Robert Scott

11-12-1927 to 07-31-2025 

James Robert Scott, age 97 of Marysville, California, passed away on July 31, 2025, at Adventist Health and Rideout Memorial Hospital. 

James was born on November 12, 1927, in Vacaville, California to Floyd McKay and Sally (Brown) Scott. He was the oldest of 6 children, 3 boys and 3 girls. 

Jim was an avid deer and pheasant hunter as well as a fisherman (trout fishing was always his favorite!). He loved to fish the Feather River Canyon throughout the years.  He would entertain you with good stories of great times. He frequently went hunting/fishing with his two brothers, George and Floyd as well as his two sons, Dale and Rick, on the weekends. There was always a hunting dog at the house. This fostered a love of animals which evolved into Jim frequently making monetary donations to several animal rescues over the years. 

Over his lifetime he lived in Vacaville, Portola, Thermalito, Oroville and eventually became a longtime resident of Marysville (70 years). 

Jim was a graduate of Oroville Union High School in 1945. 

In Sept of 1946 at the end of WWII Jim enlisted in the Army where he served until December of 1947 in Japan. Upon his return he enrolled in Yuba College and obtained his AA degree in Arts in 1949. He then went on to Chico State to obtain his bachelor’s degree in business in 1951– he wanted to pursue his engineering degree but unfortunately, they did not offer the classes/program at that time.  

Jim met his wife Vera (MacDonald) of Corning, where she was working as an “usherette” at the local movie theater.  After a short courting they were married on August 13, 1955 in Reno, Nevada. They went on to have 3 children – Dale (1956), Richard (1957) and Julie (1961). 

Jim was employed by Caltrans from 1954 until he retired in 1991 – 37 years. He started out as an Under Engineering Aid. He was promoted to a Junior Engineering Aid, then a Senior Engineering Aid. In 1956 he became a Junior Civil Engineer. He then became a Project Engineer in Design. He ended his career in the Claims department. 

Over the years with Caltrans he was responsible for projects ranging from minor value to major freeway projects valued at up to $25 million. He was the project engineer on two units of Route 5 in Sacramento, namely the 0.5 mile south of Broadway to J Street and the Route 5-80 interchange. He was very proud of what he accomplished despite never getting a degree in engineering. 

Jim is survived by two children, Dale (Rebecca Mejia) Scott of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Julie (Fredrick) Dudley of Gilbert, Arizona. Two sisters, Sandy (Donald) Hansen of Woodland, California and Neva (Kyle) Bristow of Woodland, California. Five grandchildren, Dale Jr., James, Raquel, Josiah and Amy. He also is survived by nine Great Grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd McKay Scott 1985 and Sally (Brown) Scott 1988. His wife of 66 years, Vera Eleanor (MacDonald) 2022, his son Richard James (1997).  His two brothers, George W. Scott (Eva Leach) 2009, Floyd M. Scott Jr. (Bobbie Loucks) 2024 both of Oroville, and one sister Lois M. Scott (Johnson) (Gene) 2017 of Magalia, Ca. 

Jim had several wonderful friends and neighbors who were beyond helpful over the years who made it possible for him to live in his home with family so far away. Also, the Marysville Fire Department were there frequently to help. They all treated both Jim and Vera like family. We thank you all for your kindness.

A Celebration of Life for both James and Vera will be held at Sierra View Mortuary, 4900 Olive Ave. Olivehurst, Ca 95961 on Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 1:00 to 4:30 pm. Light snacks will be provided. 

In lieu of flowers we ask that you donate to a charity of your choice or if you would like we suggest: 

Oscar’s Place Adoption Center & Sanctuary in Hopland, Ca – Donkey rescue – oscarsplace.org

Field Haven Feline Center – Cat Rescue – there are three centers in California – fieldhaven.com

Wounded Warriors Project – Donate to help Veterans – woundedwarriorproject.org