Name: Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory
Address: Pekin, IL

I carry such fond memories of summer weekends in Pekin, Illinois—long, sun-soaked days spent with Aunt Tootsie, Uncle Pepper, Karen, Linda, Debbie, and dear Scott. I thought they were all wonderful, but Scott held a special place in my heart. We shared a love of diving boards.

Scott was nine years older than me and, in my eyes, extraordinary. He was a gifted diver who could captivate an entire crowd with his fearless flips off the high dive at the Pekin public pool. I could have watched him for hours, completely in awe.

One warm summer afternoon, when I was about seven years old, I decided it was my turn. Without telling anyone, I climbed the ladder to the high dive. Step by step, I made my way out onto the board—terrified but determined.

Then came a sharp, piercing sound—my mother’s voice, filled with fear, calling me back down.

What happened next has softened with time, but I remember this: Scott calmly spoke with the lifeguard, then with my mom. The panic quieted. He turned to me, steady and reassuring, and told me I could do it.

So, I jumped.

I paddled to the ladder, heart racing, and when I looked back, I saw it—Scott’s pride. And in that moment, I felt it too.

Those of you who have been around a long time may already understand why this memory stays with me. Life asks all of us, again and again, to step onto the high dive—to face fear, to trust, to leap before we’re ready.

That day, Scott gave me more than encouragement. In a matter of minutes, on a warm afternoon at the Pekin pool, he taught me courage, trust, self-confidence, and love.

Fly high, dear cousin Scott. Until we meet again, I’ll carry your spirit with me—and I’ll keep on jumping.

So sorry to see of Scott's passing. He had been a customer of mine. He was always friendly and polite.  Soar with the Angels sir....

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James Kaufman

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James Scott Kaufman

February 10, 1955 – April 4, 2026

Preston-Hanley Funeral Home & Crematory

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