John Walter Scott

He was born on February 8, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, to George Alvin Scott and Frances Althea Douck. John was the fifth of seven children: Georgeanna, Marleen, Glenn, Baby Scott, Larry, and Sharron.

During his early childhood, the Scott family moved to West Branch, Michigan, where John was raised on a 40-acre farm. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and completed basic training at Fort Hood, Texas. He was later stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska, where he served as a Pioneer in the 16th Engineer Battalion. Skilled as a marksman and sharpshooter, he fulfilled a role similar to what is now known as a combat engineer. John proudly and honorably served from 1961-1964.

In 1962, he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and soon chose to serve a mission, being called to the California North Mission. After his mission he moved back to California & started dating. On June 6, 1969, he married the love of his life, Nancy Boggs, in the Oakland California Temple. Together they built a life centered around faith, family, and service, raising five children in Selma, California.

He was a man of many talents and a lifelong learner, with a deep appreciation for both the practical and the creative. In his younger years, he mastered a wide range of skills including fishing, hunting, living off the land, gardening, meat processing, animal and wildlife care, and electrical work. His career path was as diverse as his interests — he worked as an armored transport of funds for the Ford Motor Company, and also held positions in logging, landscaping, bricklaying, and as a machinist and computer technician. His creativity took him to Hollywood, where he worked as a makeup artist, and later, he channeled his entrepreneurial spirit into founding a commercial and residential painting business before working for the Anasazi Foundation mentoring troubled youth in a therapeutic wilderness environment.

In addition to his many trades, he had a deep love for music and the arts. A self-taught musician, he played the guitar, banjo, and harmonica, performing in different bands throughout the years. He was also a gifted visual artist, skilled in pointillism with pen and ink, sketching, and watercolor painting — often drawing inspiration from the natural world. His creativity extended to unique and intricate handcrafts, including ornately decorated gourds that showcased his eye for detail and passion for craftsmanship. John’s artistic gourds were auctioned off at a charity event for the Barbara Bush Foundation.

He found great joy in mentoring teenage boys in the Scouting program, escaping to the mountains for family camping trips, and hanging out with his fellow outlaws at beach gatherings.

He has been a lifelong missionary serving as the Mission Leader for a large portion of his life, researching family history and actively serving as a temple worker.

John was a loving and dedicated father, trusted friend & someone whose life was defined by his unwavering commitment to others. He had a rare gift for reaching out—making every person he encountered feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether among lifelong friends or someone he'd just met, John connected with people from all walks of life. In the last five years he has been known for making and distributing hundreds of Grandpa Scott’s Scarves to the homeless in the community. His ability to reach the one, to make a difference in an individual life, was something truly special. Above all, his life was a testament to selfless service, quietly and consistently lifting others through compassion, friendship, and love. He was loved and made lasting impressions on many individuals throughout his life.

A devoted grandfather, John took great pride in his 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He cherished his family deeply. John is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy, and children John Michael Scott (Jennifer) Medford, OR, Carolyn McCrary (John) Pleasant View, UT, Jared Scott (Amity) Provo, UT, Jody Robin (John Paul) of Vidor, TX, and Benjamin Scott (Will J. Burbridge) of Lexington, KY. He is also survived by his brother, Larry Scott (Linda) of West Branch, MI, and his sister, Sharron Wedel of Sebring, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Georgeanna Mackey and Marleen; and his brothers, Glenn and Baby Scott.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Graveside Service on Thursday, August 28, 2025, 10:00 AM, at the Utah Veterans Cemetery located at 17111 South Camp Williams Road, Bluffdale, UT 84065.

A Celebration of Life open house will be held for visiting with the family on Friday, August 29, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 3602 N 500 W, Pleasant View UT 84414.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers over the past few months as he was deteriorating. Your respect, kindness & love have meant a great deal.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you take time to go for a walk in nature—wherever you find a tranquil place near you, reflect on the values that John held dear and carried through his life. Nature was his happy place. He found joy in the chatter of squirrels, the rustling trees, the running brook, and the peaceful quiet of the outdoors. John leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and quiet strength.