Dr. James H. Scruggs

JAMES H. SCRUGGS, M. D. December 5, 1920 December 18, 2010 Dr. James H Scruggs, M.D., passed away peacefully at home on December 18, 2010. A memorial service will be held 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 21, at Austin Avenue United Methodist Church, with reception to follow in the church's Fellowship Hall. Dr. James Scruggs was born Dec. 5, 1920, on his mother's birthday, to James Harry Scruggs, Sr. and Rachel P. Scruggs. He grew up as "Harry Junior" in Roscoe, Texas, and decided in early childhood to be a physician. Jim received his B.A. degree from University of Texas at Austin, followed by an M.D. from University of Texas Medical School in Galveston. While in Galveston he met the love of his life, Jane Reese Rich. They married in 1945 and were blessed with four wonderful daughters and 65 years together. Dr. Scruggs interned at the City County Hospital in Houston followed by his ophthalmology residency at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. He served four years active duty in the U.S. Navy during and after World War II. Before moving to Waco, Dr. Scruggs practiced in Houston, where he served on the clinical faculty of both Baylor and U.T. Medical Schools. In 1952, Jim and Jane chose Waco for their home, where he was a dedicated physician until retirement in 1995. He loved practicing medicine and, in turn, was loved by countless patients. Dr. Scruggs served as President of the McLennan Co. Medical Society, the Medical Staff of Hillcrest Baptist Hospital, the Texas Ophthalmological Association, the Texas Society of Ophthalmology & Otolaryngology, and Chairman of the Texas Society for The Prevention of Blindness. For 16 years he served on the Medical Advisory Board of the Texas Commission for the Blind. He authored scientific articles published in both national and state medical journals. In 2009 he received the Gold-Headed Cane Award given by the McLennan County Medical Society and Alliance for outstanding service as a physician to the community. Jim worshiped at Austin Ave. United Methodist Church; he loved his church and served there in many capacities. He was a 50+ year Rotarian, president of the Waco Symphony Board, and served on the Keep Waco Beautiful Board. In 1986 he was honored to be King of the Waco Cotton Palace Pageant. Jim was an avid gardener and a lifelong photographer. He loved hunting with his friends, family, and dogs, and spent many enjoyable times boating on Lake Waco. Other hobbies included tennis and playing pitch on Thursday afternoon with his friends. Above all else, Jim loved his wife and extended family. He felt very blessed by their presence and had a grand time with them at his 90th birthday party two weeks ago on December 5th. Survivors include his wife, Jane; daughters and sons-in-law, Jan and Terry Moynahan, Joy Bode, Joan and Nelson Hyde, and Jean and Tracy Warren; grandchildren, Kate Moynahan Hall and husband, Evan Hall, Austen and Reese Hyde, and Meredith and Margot Warren. Honorary pallbearers include Mr. Charles Gervig, Mr. Edgar Jablonowski, Dr. W.D. Hunter, Mr. Thomas Stribling, Mr. Douglas Pitts, Mr. Pat Pattillo, Mr. Goodhue Smith, Dr. David Dow, Dr. Richard Kannwischer, Dr. John Quinius, Dr. Jeff Leinfelder, and Mr. Alan Burkhart. The family would like to express gratitude to Jim's physicians: Dr. Gary Barbin, Dr. Rod Richie, Dr. Charles Schultz Sr., Dr. Tom Eastwood, Dr. N.J. Amar, and to Providence Hospice nurse, Beckie Seiley. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory be sent to Austin Ave. United Methodist Church, the University of Texas Medical School at Galveston, or the charity of your choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.