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Former Del. Jim Scott (D-53rd), who championed progressive causes during his 22-year career in the House of Delegates, died April 13 at age 78 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.
Encomiums poured in from around Virginia following news of Scott’s death. Gov. McAuliffe issued a statement saying Scott’s many accomplishments showed his dedication to his district and Virginia.
“He was an ardent supporter of transparency and accountability in political campaigns as the patron of the ‘Stand By Your Ad’ legislation,” the governor’s statement read. “Jim also fought tirelessly for increased participation in the election process through implementation of the ‘Motor Voter’ law at Virginia’s DMV offices. His proudest achievement and lasting legacy will be the School for Conflict Resolution and Analysis at George Mason University.”
U.S. Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-11th) said Scott was a devoted husband, self-effacing politician and natural mentor.
“Virginia has lost a quiet, gentle but forceful advocate for all who feel powerless,” Connolly’s statement read. “Jim Scott was a voice for civil rights, women’s rights and LBGT rights because he believed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States meant what they said.”
Connolly added, “It will be difficult to re-imagine the [Northern Virginia] community without his towering presence and wise guidance. And his absence will be a void for those of us privileged to know him.”
James Martin Scott was born June 11, 1938, in Galax, Va., and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1960 and 1965, respectively. In 1982, he received a master’s degree in public affairs from George Mason University.
Scott began his political career as Providence District supervisor on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors from 1972 to 1986.
Scott successfully pressed for creation of Fairfax County’s affordable-housing ordinance and helped establish a health-care advisory council, which advises the Board of Supervisors, said Katherine Hanley (D), who succeeded him and went on chair the board. He also was the driving force behind the county’s human-rights ordinance and commission, she said.
“Jim’s public service was exceptional,” Hanley said. “He was a leader in establishing so many things that have made life better for many citizens in Fairfax.”
Scott served in the House of Delegates from 1992 to 2014. During his first House campaign in 1991, he won the official recount by one vote and earned the nickname “Landslide Jim,” according to a Web posting by the Fairfax County Democratic Committee.
Scott was succeeded by Del. Marcus Simon (D-53rd), who formerly worked for him as an aide.
“Jim was my first employer out of college,” Simon said. “He was the first role model for what a working person and politician should be. I’ve always tried to model myself politically after Jim.”
Among Scott’s advice: Never say no to the press, if at all possible, as they may never come back. Also, be available to constituents and cut red tape to help them get what they need, Simon said.
Scott also was a community-affairs consultant for Inova Fairfax Hospital and did public-service stints on the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Northern Virginia Planning District Commission, Northern Virginia Transportation Commission and Virginia Association of Counties.
Scott loved bluegrass music and would go to his native Galax for concerts, Simon said. The former delegate also was a fan of the University of North Carolina Tarheels and Washington Nationals, and each year would distribute refrigerator magnets that listed the Washington Redskins’ schedule as well as Election Day and a reminder to vote for Jim Scott, Simon said.
Scott was a “quiet but profoundly effective legislator,” Democratic Party of Virginia Chairwoman Susan Swecker said in a media statement. “He embodied the ideals of the Democratic Party, especially socioeconomic justice, and he will be long remembered for his commitment to fighting poverty.”
Virginia House Democratic Leader David Toscano and Caucus Chair Charniele Herring in a joint statement said Scott was a “thoughtful academic who sought solutions rather than the spotlight.”
“Jim Scott was a selfless public servant whose quiet power commanded the respect of his colleagues.,” their statement read. “He worked diligently to reduce poverty and improve the lives of Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens.”
Scott is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughters Casey and Mary Alice; and one granddaughter.
No dates for services have been set yet, his family said.
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