James Beckwith Scroggs
4/28/1917 – 5/4/2010
James B. Scroggs, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and mentor passed away peacefully on May 4th at the age of 93 from complications following a stroke. Jim was born in Hermiston, OR in 1917 and grew up in Sunnyside, WA as one of four brothers. He attended the University of Washington and rowed for the men’s crew. In 1941 he married Dorothy Elura Lane, the love of his life. He went to work for Sears, Roebuck & Co. upon graduation from the UW in 1941. He served in the U.S. Navy beginning in 1942, attending the Navy Supply Corps School at Harvard University and then serving as supply officer of the 49th Construction Battalion in Bermuda. In 1944 he received orders to attend Harvard Business School and was subsequently assigned to set up a new Navy program for the Supply Corps in Chicago. After the war, Jim and Dorothy returned to Seattle and Jim returned to Sears, Roebuck & Co.. They settled in Magnolia, moving to Mercer Island in 1961. From the mid-1960’s through 2009 Jim and Dorothy wintered in Hawaii – a place they truly loved. Jim retired in 1980, after 39 years with Sears, the last 12 years as General Manager of the catalogue order division in Seattle. He was an active volunteer and business leader, serving as President of Seattle Rotary, Washington Athletic Club, The Rainier Club and Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce and as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Swedish Hospital. He also served on the boards of many other companies and organizations including US Bank, Goodwill Industries, John Fluke Manufacturing Co., Exotic Metal Forming and Port Blakely Mill Company.Jim was a passionate golfer and a longtime member of the Seattle Golf Club. In retirement he and Dorothy traveled around the world with friends playing golf. Jim also enjoyed genealogy. He traced Dorothy’s family to the Mayflower and the Scroggs family to 11th century Scotland. Jim is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dorothy Lane Scroggs, as well as his brother Jerry Scroggs of Honolulu, sons James (Janet) Scroggs of Mercer Island, Robert (Vicki Mar) Scroggs of Newcastle, William Scroggs of Kirkland, daughter Barbara Schultz of Vancouver, BC as well as grandchildren Jenny Scroggs of Seattle, Anne (Ryan) Papineau of Mercer Island, Stephanie (Michael) Scott of Arlington, VA and Sam Scroggs of Newcastle. Jim’s greatest joy was his family. He leaves a legacy of hard work, energy, integrity, wisdom, generosity, humor and kindness. At his request there will be a private family celebration. Remembrances may be made to the Swedish Hospital Foundation or an organization of your choice. Memories may be shared at www.legacy.com.
