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Jay Randall Scott - Class of 1970
Submitted by Bill Norvell 1965 <w.norvell@att.net>
on 22/Feb/2024
184.88.213.148
Jay Randall Scott, 71, passed away on February 9, 2024. His
family - wife Pam, son, Christopher, daughter, Allison, and
daughter-in-law, Jessica - were with him at home in Atlanta.
It was the end of Jay's three-and-a-half-year battle with
stage 4 colon cancer.
If Jay had his way, Radiohead would be playing the
background music for this reflection about him. And if
Radiohead couldn't make it, Jay would be happy with Jerry
Garcia or, of course, the Beatles.
Jay's optimism and openness about his disease kept the rest
of the family going. The best gift he gave them was the
promise that he was at peace. And he wanted that for his
loved ones.
In his last month, he rounded up old friends and coworkers
who came by to visit him. They told stories, celebrated
life, and brought great joy to each other.
Jay was always a funny man. As one friend shared, "The grin
of delight that would spread across his face when you
connected with him on something bizarre or trivial was
always infectious."
Jay built a family that savors laughter of all sorts. His
dad jokes made them moan. They are grateful that Valerie,
Jay's granddaughter, is too young to realize how bad
Grandpa's jokes could be.
In 1981, Jay joined the Atlanta Journal to work on the news
desk. Over his 29 years with the company, Jay never wavered
in his commitment to the Journal, Journal-Constitution, and
COX.net. He served in many roles, but his greatest one was
that of boss, as evidenced in these condolences.
"Jay was the quintessential partner in a very demanding
business -- and he always performed with aplomb and good
cheer. A great teammate and leader."
"It's rare to be blessed with a boss/supervisor who not only
believes in your capabilities, but also looks out for you."
In 2010, Jay was recruited to help build Patch, an online
media company that focused on community-specific news,
information and conversation websites. Jay was responsible
for the southeastern states. His commitment to his staff
continued in that role.
"What an honor to know this wonderful man (at Patch). He
became one of my favorite colleagues, always sharing a kind
word, and one who delighted in rubbing it in that Duke
basketball had lost. A true gentleman and one of the nicest
people I've known. "
Outside of his roles in the news business, Jay was also
known as one heck of a guitarist.
"My fondest memories of Jay have less to do with the paper
than with just sitting with him as he played the guitar (he
could play anything) and singing. He always knew the lyrics
when I didn't. He knew so many things that I didn't, and he
was the kindest teacher."
"Jay will be missed. He played in my husband's garage band.
Best guitar player ever. RIP Jimmy J. Jaguar."
Pam says she fell in love with Jay listening to him play
guitar.
Jay was also a big sports fan. Football, basketball,
baseball, soccer—whatever. He would have liked to see more
wins from the Atlanta teams. Heaven knows how much Jay would
coach a team with enthusiasm and unsolicited advice during
any game.
He was also a die-hard Georgia Tech fan. The Bulldogs had no
place in the Scott household.
Jay was born in Williamson, WV, in 1952 and later graduated
from Newburgh Academy in Newburgh, NY. He received a full
ride to Fordham University, where he graduated with a BA in
communications arts in 1974.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jennings Gardner
Scott and Irene Crowell Scott. He is survived by Pamela
Armstrong Scott, his beloved wife of 40 years; children,
Christopher Scott (Jessica) of Tucker and Allison Scott of
Brooklyn. In addition, Jay's siblings include Allan Scott
(Keri), Stanley Scott (Jean), and Barbara Valdez (Walter).
A memorial service is February 24, 2024, at 1 PM at
Clairmont Presbyterian Church, 1994 Clairmont Road, Decatur,
GA 30033. Afterwards, the family is inviting guests to share
their Jay Scott stories and celebrate his life at
Benchwarmers Sports Grill at 2775 Clairmont Road, Atlanta,
GA, 30329.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to
Clairmont Presbyterian Church or the Atlanta Chapter of the
ACLU.
Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Feb. 22, 2024.
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