Larry Becker
Executive Director, University Relations
La Sierra University
Riverside, California
909-785-2460 voice
909-334-7175 cell
lbecker@lasierra.edu

On Saturday, January 4, 2003, Dr. Jim Scott, LSU alumnus and faculty emeritus from the School of Education, passed away at Loma Linda University Medical Center. Born in St. Paul Minnesota, Dr. Scott had a distinguished career in Adventist education throughout the state of California for over 50 years.

After receiving his Bachelors degree from La Sierra College in 1951, Scott served in the Northern California Conference as a teacher and then principal. During his academy teaching years, Scott was enrolled in graduate studies in education at the University of the Pacific. He received his M.A. in 1959 and an Ed.D. in 1968. After completing his graduate studies, Scott moved into higher education. He served as Director of Admissions and Records at Pacific Union College for several years before becoming Associate Dean for Academic Admissions, a position he held until 1979. In 1979, Dr. Scott was appointed professor of education for the School of Education, La Sierra University.

Although he retired from his teaching post in 1990, Scott continued to support the School of Education until June 2002 as the Credentials Officer. Norman Powell, former dean of the School of Education, said of Scott: "Jim was a well respected, highly regarded person. He was always responsible and thorough in all he undertook. In fact, I say that the reputation of the School of Education with the State of California Education Department was enhanced by his work in the credentialing area."

Larry Geraty, La Sierra University president, said, "Dr. Scott is one of those professors whom students always remember with warmth and appreciation. LSU and the denomination's system of education is the richer for his distinguished service. Though he had officially retired by the time I came to La Sierra, we will always be grateful for his part-time service for several years as credential analyst. 'His works do follow him.'"

Dr. Scott is survived by his wife Dolores; son, James Randall Scott, and daughter-in-law Lori Scott; daughter, Julie Scott Leeper, and son-in-law Jeff Leeper; three grandchildren, Ryan Scott, Stephanie Leeper, and Jeffrey James Leeper; and a sister, Virginia Starr.

Condolences may be sent by e-mail to jl5555@aol.com. Phone calls should be directed to the home of Julie and Jeff Leeper at (760) 956-5407. Cards may be mailed to the Leeper home at 12443 Antelope Drive, Victorville, CA 92392.

The funeral service for Dr. Scott will be held Monday, January 13 at 11 am in the La Sierra University Church. A graveside service will follow at the Riverside National Cemetry at 1 pm.

The James N. Scott, Jr. Memorial Fund has been established for scholarships for students in the School of Education at La Sierra University. Gifts should be sent to the Office of Advancement, La Sierra University.

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