James Richard Scott

On August 13, 2026, James “Jim” Scott, also affectionately known as “Scotty” to many friends, passed away, age 76, in Connecticut. Despite health challenges that grew over time, he insisted he continue mentoring students on the Apple Pi Robotics Team, working in the garden while hoeing weeds from a lawn chair, and researching his genealogy. The week before, he worked on a robotic hand with his grandson Tycho, sang songs with the family while his granddaughter Samantha danced, and taste-tested frosting for his daughter Stephanie’s 35th birthday.

Even as a kid, Scotty always did things his own way. Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in Middle Island, NY, Scotty met his future wife Kathryn (Fingar) Scott in the band room when they were 12. He played trumpet; she played clarinet. Their childhood friendship grew into a lifelong partnership. In addition to his musical inclination, athletics were also a major part of his childhood. He pitched for Longwood High School’s baseball team and was known for his repertoire of pitches, with the Long Island newspapers dubbing him “Great Scott” in many articles. With an ERA in 1967 of 0.48 and 0.52 in 1968 he was scouted to play professionally. The New York Mets and St Louis Cardinals invited him to join their farm teams, but that same year he was offered a full academic scholarship to Cornell University, where he ultimately decided to pursue a degree in electrical engineering.

Using his experience working home construction during college, Scotty later built his family’s home from the ground up on top of a steep hill in Guilford, CT alongside his wife, and many family and friends. His son Cameron was born in their home not long after their home was completed, followed by two daughters, Valerie and Stephanie.

Scotty worked as an electrical engineer for his entire career. His unique way of looking at a challenge made him invaluable and allowed him to travel and advise customers overseas across Asia and parts of Europe. He partnered with diverse industries, advising on everything from international manufacturing plants, paper mills, chocolate factories, and more, which led him to chime in on everything from the brakes used on rollercoasters, to the paper used on Pokémon cards, and how a Mounds candy bar got to the counter shelf.

Athletics and music continued to play major roles in Scotty’s life into adulthood. He coached multiple baseball teams while his son played. He later joined the Men’s Senior Baseball League where he continued pitching for many years. Scotty also continued to play trumpet, and also taught himself how to play piano, learning the left hand part by relying on a music theory class he took in high school. Cameron and Valerie shared Scotty’s passion for music with Cameron playing trumpet and later picking up guitar, and Valerie playing piano alongside him.

Near retirement, his daughter Stephanie introduced him to a new sports team in 2007— the FIRST Robotics Team, Apple Pi, a team dedicated to providing life-changing robotics programs that give young people the skills, confidence, and resilience to build a better world. What began as mentoring his daughter grew into 19 years of mentoring more than 200 students, earning him multiple awards for his contributions to the FIRST Robotics community.

Over the years he was known for building community, through sailing, volleyball, baseball and the garden. Lately, when he wasn’t mentoring at the shop, Scotty could be found at the Community Garden at the Dudley Farm, enjoying being in the garden with friends.

Scotty always did things his own way and took pride in forging his own path, from refining the perfect pitch to sharing an understated, perfectly timed joke to creating a remarkable village of friends and family.

He is survived by his wife, his three children, and their families, and his sister.

Celebration of Life to occur on Sept. 12, 2026 at 1-4pm at the Dudley Farm Museum in the Munger Barn. In honor of Scotty’s love for Apple Pi Robotics, we encourage guests to wear their team shirts or red. In lieu of food or flowers, the family asks that you contribute a donation to either Apple Pi Robotics Team 2067 or to the Dudley Farm where he was an active member of both organizations.