John Patrick Scott, age 72, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on Friday, May 6, 2022. He was born September 26, 1949, in South Bend, Indiana to John P. and Lavona M. (Claflin) Scott Sr.

On January 23, 1968, John proudly enlisted in the United States Army under the buddy system as an airborne infantryman where he was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska for most of his service. He loved jumping from the plane and wished he had stayed in active service until retirement. As the story was told to me, he and 3 friends Terry, Jeff and Fred all went together and one of them was told they could not enlist due to having club feet. John and the other 2 friends told them either all of us go or none go. The 4 of them signed papers together.

John worked for many years as a diesel mechanic before starting his own company, Michiana Truck and Trailer repair, then going on to design trailers to haul conversion vans in the late 80’s before taking up driving over the road. John retired after 26 years from Foreway Transportation, where he was also an owner operator, owning 2 trucks, and received 25 years of safety awards along with his millions of miles awards and countless driver of the year awards.

John loved to golf. It didn’t matter rain or shine; he would chase that ball for hours. He was a huge Notre Dame fan; never missing a game. He loved cooking out on the grill on weekends as well. He enjoyed fishing so much so that he knocked himself out of the boat reeling in the biggest catch of his life, a park picnic table that he took home with him, hunting that elusive deer that he never tagged and traveling, which is why maybe he took up over the road truck driving. He had a need for speed as well, owning a 1968 G.T.O. that was a street legal drag car. He would brag about smoking the tires in first gear and squealing them in 2nd gear and then one more time in 3rd all before hitting the blower that would snap your head back. Along with his mustang which was his pride and joy.

He is survived by his siblings, Mary Schrock, Kathleen (Robert) Langwell, Michael (Cheryl) Scott, Patricia (Alan) Kersey, and Susan (Christopher Sr) Devan; his five children from his first marriage, Todd L. (Missie) Scott, Melissa (Bob) Lewis, Christina (Rodney) Stanley-McAleer, Patrick Scott, William Scott; grandchildren, Amanda Rohrer, Shauntel Rohrer, John Scott, Nick Scott, Alicia Rohrer, Austin Scott, Marcus Scott, Adam Miller, Aaron Hensley, Alex Bogunia, Brett Johnson, Jacob Stanley, William Scott, Hailie Scott; great grandchildren, Rylie Scott, John P. Scott IV, Bellamy Scott, Colton Miller, Katherine Grace Stanley, Hudson J. Stanley; along with two nieces and eight nephews.

He is proceeded in death by his Father, John and loving mother, Lavona; and his wife of the last 12 years, Lucinda (Darling) Scott

Per John’s wishes he was cremated and his final resting place will be decided by the family.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign John’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care.