83
James Scott Lankford (Scotty), age 77, passed away January 1, 2019 in his Huntsville home after a valiant battle with cancer. His family, friends, and firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.
Scotty was born to the late Homer Truett and Mary Rivers Lankford in Hollywood, AL on June 12, 1941. He is survived by his devoted wife and best friend of 57 years – Joyce Huber Lankford; sister Carolyn Lankford and brother Michael Lankford (wife Carolyn); sons Todd Lankford (Paige) and Mark Lankford (Lisa); grandchildren Jana Kirksey, Johnathan Lankford, Jeffrey Lankford, Brent Lankford, Jordan Brook, Jay Lankford, Peyton Lankford, and Josh Lankford.
Scotty graduated Scottsboro High School in 1959, where he was a standout basketball and baseball player. Upon many awards and championships, he was awarded a basketball scholarship to Florence State College and was one of the famous “Hustling Eight from Florence State” going to the first National Championship Tournament in school history. In 1961, Scotty enlisted in the United States Air Force and ultimately became the USAF “Combative Measures” Judo Instructor; later winning the Mid-West 180lb Judo Championship. Upon his Honorable Discharge in 1965, he returned to Florence State to complete a degree in Biology which served him well in his position with Alabama Power/Southern Company for 35 years. During his career as a biologist, he served as past President of the Mid-South Aquatic Plant Management Society and past President of the Alabama Vector Management Society.
Scotty enjoyed teaching and coaching many young athletes during his lifetime. He always stressed the importance of a strong work ethic, physical conditioning, mental sharpness and always portraying an example of what a positive attitude can achieve. In 2017, Scotty was inducted into the Jackson County Sports Hall of Fame.
Scotty was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church of Scottsboro and served as a loving Christian example for his family. Words that have been used by close friends and family to describe Scotty are hardworking, witty, humorous, animated, positive, uplifting, motivating, smart, teacher, mentor, coach, giving, loving, outdoorsman, and a rock. Some of Scotty’s own last words expressed his joyful life – “I have been so lucky. I loved my wife and she loved me. I loved my children and they loved me. I loved my work. I had close friends. I love the life God gave me. I was so very blessed!”
A Memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Scottsboro on Saturday January 5, 2019 at 1:00pm with a Reception to follow. Dr. Steve Screws will officiate the ceremony and celebration of Scotty’s life. Flowers can be sent to the church at 1105 S Broad Street – Scottsboro, AL 35768. In lieu of flowers, donations can be accepted to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or First United Methodist Church of Scottsboro.
James Scott Lankford (Scotty), age 77, passed away January 1, 2019 in his Huntsville home after a valiant battle with cancer. His family, friends, and firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.Scotty was born to the late Homer Truett and Mary Rivers Lankford in Hollywood, AL on June 12, 1941. He is survived by his devoted wife and best friend of 57 years – Joyce Huber Lankford; sister Carolyn Lankford and brother Michael Lankford (wife Carolyn); sons Todd Lankford (Paige) and Mark Lankford (Lisa); grandchildren Jana Kirksey, Johnathan Lankford, Jeffrey Lankford, Brent Lankford, Jordan Brook, Jay Lankford, Peyton Lankford, and Josh Lankford.
Scotty graduated Scottsboro High School in 1959, where he was a standout basketball and baseball player. Upon many awards and championships, he was awarded a basketball scholarship to Florence State College and was one of the famous “Hustling Eight from Florence State” going to the first National Championship Tournament in school history. In 1961, Scotty enlisted in the United States Air Force and ultimately became the USAF “Combative Measures” Judo Instructor; later winning the Mid-West 180lb Judo Championship. Upon his Honorable Discharge in 1965, he returned to Florence State to complete a degree in Biology which served him well in his position with Alabama Power/Southern Company for 35 years. During his career as a biologist, he served as past President of the Mid-South Aquatic Plant Management Society and past President of the Alabama Vector Management Society.
Scotty enjoyed teaching and coaching many young athletes during his lifetime. He always stressed the importance of a strong work ethic, physical conditioning, mental sharpness and always portraying an example of what a positive attitude can achieve. In 2017, Scotty was inducted into the Jackson County Sports Hall of Fame.
Scotty was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church of Scottsboro and served as a loving Christian example for his family. Words that have been used by close friends and family to describe Scotty are hardworking, witty, humorous, animated, positive, uplifting, motivating, smart, teacher, mentor, coach, giving, loving, outdoorsman, and a rock. Some of Scotty’s own last words expressed his joyful life – “I have been so lucky. I loved my wife and she loved me. I loved my children and they loved me. I loved my work. I had close friends. I love the life God gave me. I was so very blessed!”
A Memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Scottsboro on Saturday January 5, 2019 at 1:00pm with a Reception to follow. Dr. Steve Screws will officiate the ceremony and celebration of Scotty’s life. Flowers can be sent to the church at 1105 S Broad Street – Scottsboro, AL 35768. In lieu of flowers, donations can be accepted to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or First United Methodist Church of Scottsboro.
