James Taylor Scruggs

James Taylor (Jim) Scruggs, born January 8, 1950; died June 6, 2025. Jim was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February and passed unexpectedly after a brief stay at Fort Sanders in Knoxville. He was surrounded by his loving family all during his illness and passing. Predeceased by grandparents Margaret Scruggs Hodges, Charles B. Hodges, and Lloyd Callaway Scruggs; Manilla and Taylor G. Moore, Sr.; father James Lloyd “Bill” Scruggs; brothers-in-law Marley McBee and Jerry McBee. Survived by wife of 52 years Lauretta “Pat” McBee Scruggs; daughters and spouses Elizabeth and Jonathan Coffield of Maryville and Jennifer and Mike Kelly of Oak Ridge. Mother Helen Louise Scruggs; sister and brother-in-law Sheila and Bill Fuqua, all of Knoxville; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Sandra and Scott Bell, Friendsville; sisters-in-law Debbie McBee of Alcoa and Alaine McBee of Maryville. Beloved grandchildren Mattie Elizabeth Erwin, Dane Jackson Kelly, Marley Grace McMurray, and Evans Taylor Coffield. He also leaves his dog Sadie, whom he loved and spoiled. Nieces Katie (Ryan) McDaniel, Maryville; Amanda Haynes, Alcoa; Becky (Sean) Freeman, Seymour; nephews, Jonathan (Amber) Bell, Maryville; Adam (Jessica) Haynes, Knoxville, five great-nieces, four great-nephews, and an extended family of cousins in Knoxville and Kentucky. Jim grew up in South Knoxville. He graduated from South Knoxville High School, where he proudly served as president of his junior and senior classes. He attended Kentucky Southern College and Emory and Henry College, where he and Pat met as sophomores, and graduated from U-T Knoxville. He then began a 39-year-career in the pharmaceutical industry as a sales rep and later manager, living and working in Wheeling, WV, Knoxville, McDonough, GA, and Franklin, TN, before retiring and returning to East Tennessee. In retirement, he volunteered as a driver for SMiles, driving his personal vehicle to take seniors without transportation to appointments and essential errands. He also volunteered with NODA (No One Dies Alone), sitting with terminally ill patients who had no family. As a true extrovert and missing interaction with others, Jim began working for CVS pharmacy in Alcoa during COVID. He loved his co-workers and meeting and serving customers who often became friends. He quietly assisted individuals with meeting their family’s needs and served as a father figure, supporting and encouraging young people to pursue education. Jim accepted Jesus as his Savior at a young age and was baptized in South Knoxville Baptist Church. After marrying, he joined Pat in the United Methodist Church, and they always connected with a church wherever they lived. Jim served in many capacities, from Sunday school teacher and youth leader to singing in the choir and serving on a variety of committees, including Church Council. Prior to moving to Georgia, he sang with the Faithful Men of Fairview Church and went on a mission trip with them to Latvia in 2000, an experience he treasured. Jim enjoyed singing with the Morning Glory chorus and the Chancel choir of Maryville FUMC. He loved sports throughout his life beginning with Little League baseball. At South High, he lettered in basketball, baseball, and track. He continued playing baseball his freshman year in college and added soccer as a varsity sport. At Emory and Henry he joined Beta Lambda Zeta fraternity and loved playing on intramural teams with his brothers. After graduating from college, he enjoyed recreation softball and played golf for the next 51 years until he was no longer well enough. He was a member of Green Meadow Country Club for 40 years, serving a term on the Board of Directors, and an active member and officer in the Renegade Group. When his sister married, he gained not only a brother-in-law but also a best golfing buddy, and Jim and Bill enjoyed many trips and golfing adventures together. He was also an enthusiastic supporter of his children and grandchildren in their activities. When his daughters swam for Green Meadow and Pilot Aquatic Club of Knoxville, he was present for meets both near and far. When both daughters cheered at U-T Martin, he drove the 670 mile round trip from Maryville to Martin on many Saturdays just to visit and watch them cheer. When his grandchildren were old enough to pursue their interests, he was a constant presence, supporting them in whatever they were doing. His legacy of love and service will live on through generations. The funeral service will be at 6:00 p.m., Monday, June 16, at First United Methodist Church of Maryville, 804 Montvale Station Road, with receiving of friends from 4:00 to 5:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Jim requested that donations be made to DayBreak Respite Ministry of Maryville FUMC, 804 Montvale Station Road, Maryville, TN, 37803 or through the website https://daybreakcare.org/. Condolences may be shared at www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. Smith Funeral and Cremation Service is helping the family at this time.