John R. Scott, Jr.
On Feb. 22, 2011 the ranching
community parted with one of its authentic cowboys. John R.
Scott Jr. lived a full life and was considered by many to be
“one of a kind.” He was a man driven by vision, purpose and
hard work. His passions in life were horses, ranching,
business and providing well for his family.
John Robert Scott Jr. was born September 6, 1923 to Agnes
and John R. Scott Sr. in San Angelo, Texas. He grew up on
the Mertzon family ranch along with his two younger
brothers, William (Mozelle) and Hamilton (June)…all of whom
are now deceased.
John attended Texas A&M until the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
He enlisted into the Navy in 1942, and served in the Pacific
Theater as a bombardier. Shortly after returning home from
the war, he met June Owens and soon asked her if “she would
be his cook?” They married at June’s family ranch near
Barnhart, Texas on August 3, 1947. A year after their
wedding, they moved to Montana to “pioneer the last
frontier.” They would have four children in the years to
come.
For the next 40 years, John would develop a reputable remuda
of quarter horses as he worked to create two productive
cattle ranches located near Miles City and Billings,
Montana. John and June moved back to Texas in the 1980s to
help care for their parents. During that time, he also
enjoyed participating in cutting horse competitions. John
bought land near Miles, Texas that was covered with mesquite
trees and rattlesnakes. With his visionary skills at work he
created a beautiful irrigated horse ranch.
Since his wife’s sudden passing four years ago, John has
been declining in health. True to his character, John was
determined to handle his changing life with dignity and a
positive attitude. Our family is deeply grateful for the
dedication of care giving he received from Sue Manning,
Teresa Rocha, Olga Munoz, Robin Miller, Carmen Rocha, Amanda
Brown (granddaughter), Maggie Scott Brown (daughter) and the
Regency’s supportive staff. John is now in the presence of
the Lord.
John had many accomplishments in his lifetime. He and his
father were among the first to take stock in the American
Quarter Horse Association. Years later he would win the AQHA
Best Remuda Award for working horses. John was a recipient
of the Foy Proctor Memorial Cowman’s Award of Honor.
Recently he was inducted into the Montana Pro Rodeo Hall and
Wall of Fame.
John is survived by his four children; ten grandchildren;
and seven great-grandchildren. They are John R. Scott, III
(Cindy) who is the father to Becky Peltzer (Tim), John IV
(Jen) and James Scott; Maggie Scott Brown who is the mother
of Amanda; Sissy Croft (Charlie) who is the mother of Katie,
Clay (Rachelle) and Clint (Alexis); and Jim Bode Scott
(Marcie) who is the father of Sarah Verhelst (K.C.), Hannah,
and Caleb. The great grandchildren are: Scott and Sully
Peltzer; Cyrus, Ryder and Eli Croft; Verity Croft and
Paisley Verhelst.
A funeral service will be held at Faith Evangelical Church,
3145 Sweetwater Dr. in Billings, Montana on Friday, March 4
at 10 a.m. A luncheon will follow. Graveside farewell will
be at 3:00 at the Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park, 3605
Grand Ave. in Billings, Montana.
We love you, Papa John!
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
I was sorry to read in the Billings Gazette of
the passing of John. I worked for L.P. Anderson for 45 years--from 1959
through 1982 in Miles City. John was very well respected as a friend and
was a good customer. He will be missed.
Bus Morris