James Bruce Scott

Former Greenport resident James Bruce Scott, known as Jim, Bruce, Scotty and “Gentle Ben,” 65, passed away peacefully March 29, 2016, at Rochester General Hospital at after a short illness, surrounded by his loving family. 

He was predeceased by his parents, the Rev. Robert I. and Deborah Morton Scott. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Mary; his son James R. Scott of Brockport N.Y.; his daughter, Sara (Timothy) Stafford of Fairport N.Y.; brother Robert I. (Margaret) Scott of Orient and sister, Bonnie Scott of Greenport; brothers-in-law John (Connie) Wolf of Fairport and Paul (Karen) Wolf of Cedar Grove N.J.; mother-in-law Ruth Wolf of Rochester N.Y.; several cousins, nieces and nephews and his two rescued cats.

He was a graduate of Greenport High School, class of 1968. Known as Bruce during his younger years, he enjoyed playing football for Dorrie Jackson, as well as playing drums in the band and singing in the chorus. He spent many years working several positions at Mitchell’s Restaurant in Greenport.

Jim retired from the SUNY College at Brockport as a lieutenant with the university police. Since retirement, he served as a ranger at local golf courses and relished in asking golfers to “pick up the pace a bit” after years of reminding motorists to “slow down.”

For years Jim volunteered as Santa Claus at area schools, organizations and community groups. He was a member of Clan Claus and the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas and was a graduate of the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School. He was a shareholder and avid fan of the Green Bay Packers.

Please consider memorial donations to the Ronald McDonald House so that more children might heal and have the opportunity to experience the joy of Santa. Believe!