Tom B. Scott III

He was born in Jackson, Mississippi on February 8, 1953, the son of the late Tom B., Jr. and Betty Hewes Scott.

Tom graduated from Murrah High School in Jackson, where he played on the state championship football team. He also attended Episcopal High School, a private boarding school in Alexandria, Virginia. He is a graduate of Millsaps College (B.A. in Philosophy) and the University of MIssissippi School of Law (J.D.). Between completing his undergraduate studies and beginning law school, Tom backpacked across Europe for three months, igniting his life-long passion for international travel.

He began his law career with Rhoden, Hetrick & Nutt firm, then became the senior partner with Scott, Hetrick, McBee & Powers. While serving as Outside General Counsel for Unifirst Bank for Savings, Tom was named by the U.S. League of Savings Institutions as Chairman of its Attorneys Committee, following a two-year tenure as Vice Chairman. Tom and his father drafted many successful and industry-defining legislation imperatives for the savings and loan industry.

In 1990, he worked with Robert G. Nichols, representing trustees in high asset commercial bankruptcy cases. When his father joined him two years later, Scott & Scott Ltd. was formed. Tom also served as active co-counsel in class action plaintiff litigation for Motley Rice (Mount Pleasant, South Carolina), Provost Umphrey (Beaumont, Texas), and Brent Coon & Associates (Beaumont, Texas).

An avid outdoorsman from an early age, Tom loved being a part of nature. He was a longtime member of Mossy Brake Hunt Club, a staunch supporter of conservation efforts, and, among area hunters, well known to be a duck blind shooter of great skill and acumen.

He and his beloved wife Janet traveled extensively to participate in clay pigeon shooting tournaments. As official representatives for the United States in worldwide competitions hosted in Spain, Tom and Janet each won individual gold medals. These experiences opened the door to wonderful friendships that became not only everlasting but the most soul-affirming reward of these extraordinary adventures.

As he transitioned into retirement, Tom enjoyed life on his farm-like property in Flora, Mississippi, where he watched sunsets, interacted with his many pets, read voraciously on war history, and indulged in unrushed family time.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents (Tom and Lola Scott; Jimmy and Gertrude Hewes), uncle (George P. Hewes), aunt (Sybil Cummings), mother and father-in-law (Jay and Mary Joyce Jones), and brother-in-law (Jay Jones, Jr.)

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Janet Jones Scott, sisters, Sharon Rhoden (Tom), Deborah Helgeson (Scott), brother Chris Scott (Stephanie), brother-in-law Chip Jones (Christy) and nephews Charlie Scott, Thomas Rhoden (Nicole), Jeffrey Rhoden (Britton), Britton Jones (Courtney), and nieces Elizabeth Scott, Allison Rodgers (Jeff), Ashley Bodie (Graham), Whitney Little (Boston), as well as many great nephews and nieces.

Tom also leaves behind his adoring dog Magnum and ever-present cat Sister. It should be no surprise that he preferred the company of animals to most people.

He faced his death and final days on his terms—with steel-spined bravery, ferocious privacy, and the love of his life forever by his side.

Pallbearers: Britton Jones, Will Martin, Jeffrey Rhoden, Thomas Rhoden, B.C. Rogers, and Charlie Scott and Chris Scott.

Honorary Pallbearers: Bob Erle Clark, Chip Jones, Andy Marsala, Mo Powers, Tom

Rhoden, and Ben Rogers.

Visitation will be on Thursday, September 1, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Parkway Funeral Home, 1161 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Visitation will be held Friday September 2, 2022 at St. Andrews Cathedral at 10:00 a.m. with the service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Parkway Memorial Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Hospice Ministries, and Dr. Gene Loper for their compassionate care of Tom.

The family encourages memorials to Millsaps College, 1701 North State Street St. Jackson, MS 39210, St. Andrews Cathedral, 305 East Capitol Street Jackson, MS 39201 and The Greater Jackson Arts Council, 201 East Pascagoula Street Jackson, MS 39201. To share a memory of Tom or send a condolence, please visit www.parkwayfuneralhomeridgeland.com.