James L. (Jim) Scott
James L. (Jim) Scott, 85, passed into the arms of Jesus on Nov. 3, 2024, in Spokane Valley, Washington.
Jim was born in Libby, Montana, on March 5, 1939, to Mae and Harvey Scott. He attended Libby High School and subsequently received his B.A. at National University in San Diego.
Jim enlisted in the Navy in 1958 and the next year married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Smith. This began the adventure of military life and living in many parts of the world.
He was stationed in several places including San Diego, Washington, D.C., Navy Headquarters in London, England, and Sigonella, Sicily. Together they shared 65 years of marriage.
Jim was extremely proud of his 22-year military career which included two deployments on the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk during the Vietnam era and rose to the rank of E-9, Master Chief Petty Officer.
One of his last major accomplishments before retiring in 1980 was implementing a complete computer system at NAS Sigonella, Sicily. While serving in London, he and Sharon started a teen choir called Reflection, recording two albums and touring military chapels and high schools in Europe.
Jim and Sharon’s music ministry had such an impact on these teens that they are still in contact with each other to this day. After his Navy retirement, Jim turned his love of music into his next career and founded New World Music & Sound in San Diego.
Over the years, New World grew into one of the largest and most respected music retailers in Southern California, providing sound equipment to television and radio broadcast companies, such as TBN, as well as recording studios, churches and musicians.
Jim was a faithful member of Valley Assembly in Spokane Valley. He loved playing his bass guitar whenever needed and played regularly for worship at Wednesday morning Bible Study. He previously held positions as board member at Clairemont Assembly in San Diego and church Superintendent and Sunday School teacher at Camp Springs Assembly in Camp Springs, Maryland.
Jim was a devoted husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Will Watson.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon Scott of Spokane Valley, Washington, and son Jim and wife Jenny Scott of Kellogg, Idaho; grandson Jim and wife Sheena Scott of Phoenix; grandchildren Jacob, Jordan, Jessa and Jenna Scott of Kellogg, Idaho; great-grandson Walter Scott of Phoenix; and brother Ron Scott of Missoula, Montana, sister-in-law Nita Smith of Missoula, Montana, brother-in-law Tony and wife Peggy Smith of Troy, Montana, and nephew Scott Botchek and wife Samantha Newbould of Everett, Washington.
A memorial service will be held at Valley Assembly of God, 15618 E. Broadway Ave., Spokane Valley, Washington, 99037, at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23.
Cremation has taken place and he will be laid to rest in Libby, Montana, next spring. To leave condolences for the family, visit www.hennesseyvalley. com.