James C. Scott

James C. Scott (64) died on November 5th, 2012 with family in DeRidder, Louisiana.  James Clide Scott was born on August 10, 1948 at Scott Settlement in Rosepine, Louisiana to Maranda (Lands) Scott and Central Scott and reared in DeRidder with his six brothers and sister.   James moved to California in the late 1960’s and worked for the city of Berkley for several years before an accident ended his job.  After completing his GED, James earned a bachelor’s degree in Folk Art and business administration.   James returned to DeRidder in 1996 and remained until his death.

James turned to his art in the wake of his accident.  He spent the latter 30 years of his life creating beautiful paintings that spoke to the plight and spirit of African Americans.  His art has been featured in the Oakland Museum of Art and in the Smithsonian.  Though he spent the latter portion of his life in self-imposed seclusion, he expressed himself fully through his paintings.  He never married and had no children; instead, he cherished his extended family of nieces, nephews, and young people and encouraged them to pursue education and entrepreneurship as the means to truly liberate themselves.   James was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Lester,  and most recently by his oldest brother, Elgie Scott.  He is survived by his brothers, Marvin, Central, Elmo, McCoy, and his sister, Virgie Foston, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A wake will be held on Tuesday evening, November 13, 2012 at Myers- Colonial Funeral Home from 6:00pm until 9:00pm; friends and family are invited.  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 11:00am at Myers-Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder.  Burial will follow at Cypress Creek Cemetery in Rosepine, LA.  Rev. Alvin Peters will officiate. Condolences may be sent to myers-colonialfuneralhome.com.