John Robert Scott Jr.

On February 22, 2011 the ranching community parted with one of its authentic cowboys. John R. Scott, Jr. lived a full life and was considered by many to be “one of a kind.” He was a man driven by vision, purpose and hard work. His passions in life were horses, ranching, business and providing well for his family.

John Robert Scott, Jr. was born September 6, 1923 to Agnes and John R. Scott, Sr. in San Angelo, Texas. He grew up on the Mertzon family ranch along with his two younger brothers, William (Mozelle) and Hamilton (June)…all who are now deceased.

John attended Texas A&M until the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He enlisted into the Navy in 1942 and served in the Pacific Theater as a bombardier. Shortly after returning home from the war, he met June Owens and soon asked her if “she would be his cook?” They married at June’s family ranch near Barnhart, Texas on August 3, 1947. A year after their wedding, they moved to Montana to “pioneer the last frontier.” They would have four children in the years to come.

For the next forty years, John would develop a reputable remuda of quarter horses as he worked to create two productive cattle ranches located near Miles City and Billings, Montana. John and June moved back to Texas in the 1980’s to help care for their parents. During that time, he also enjoyed participating in cutting horse competitions. John bought land near Miles, Texas that was covered with mesquite trees and rattlesnakes. With his visionary skills at work he created a beautiful irrigated horse ranch.

Since his wife’s sudden passing four years ago, John has been declining in health. True to his character, John was determined to handle his changing life with dignity and a positive attitude. Our family is deeply grateful for the dedication of care giving he received from: Sue Manning, Teresa Rocha, Olga Munoz, Robin Miller, Carmen Rocha, Amanda Brown (grand-daughter), Maggie Scott Brown (daughter) and the Regency’s supportive staff. John is now in the presence of the Lord.

John had many accomplishments in his lifetime. He and his father were among the first to take stock in the American Quarter Horse Association. Years later he would win the AQHA Best Remuda Award for working horses. John was a recipient of the Foy Proctor Memorial Cowman’s Award of Honor. Recently he was inducted into the Montana Pro Rodeo Hall and Wall of Fame.

John is survived by his four children, ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. They are: John R. Scott, III (Cindy) who is the father to Becky Peltzer (Tim), John, IV (Jen) and James Scott; Maggie Scott Brown who is the mother of Amanda; Sissy Croft (Charlie) who is the mother of Katie, Clay (Rachelle) and Clint (Alexis); and Jim Bode Scott (Marcie) who is the father of Sarah Verhelst (K.C.), Hannah, and Caleb. The great grandchildren are: Scott and Sully Peltzer; Cyrus, Ryder and Eli Croft; Verity Croft and Paisley Verhelst.

A memorial service will be held at the Johnson’s Funeral Home Chapel in San Angelo, Texas on Tuesday, March1 at 10 a.m. A luncheon will follow. John requested to be buried in Montana beside his wife, June. We love you, Papa!

Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at johnsons-funeralhome.com