CSM(R) James"Jim" Scurry

BMT (RIP) · 08-14-2008, 03:09

Jim was one of our's. RIP Jim.

Fayetteville State stalwart James Scurry dies at 74

Staff writer
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James Scurry worked in many roles during his time at FSU from 1988 to 2004.
James “Jim” Scurry, a longtime former administrator and staunch student advocate at Fayetteville State University, died Monday after battling illness, friends said Wednesday. He was 74.

Mr. Scurry’s contributions to Fayetteville were widely praised Wednesday by community leaders and former and current FSU professionals who knew him.

They called Mr. Scurry’s death a loss of a great role model for young men. He also was lauded as FSU’s greatest ambassador for his efforts in building relationships with Fort Bragg and community leaders.

“He was the foremost expert at motivating people I’ve ever seen in my life,” said Don Porter, a friend and Hoke County’s director of economic development. “We’ve lost a real giant to this community.”

Mr. Scurry worked at FSU from 1988 to 2004. During that time, he served in a multitude of roles, including director of FSU’s career planning office and director of admissions. His signature role, however, was dean of students — a job that then-Chancellor Willis McLeod handpicked for him in 1998. There, Mr. Scurry created and popularized the FSU student chant, “Attitude check! Bronco Pride!,” which can still be heard at campus pep rallies and student events.

Friends also remembered how Mr. Scurry — a former Army command sergeant major — tapped his numerous military friendships to gain supplies for needy students. The locker room for FSU’s football team stands as a testament to Mr. Scurry’s resourcefulness, Mr. McLeod said. It was built and donated by friends of Mr. Scurry at his behest.

“If there is such a thing as a King’s kid, Jim Scurry was it,” Mr. McLeod said. “We were like blood brothers. He always loved me, and I am very sure he knew I always loved him.”

Mr. Scurry branched out to help other aspects of Fayetteville as well.

From 1992-97, Mr. Scurry worked as a trustee for the Cumberland County Public Library and briefly served as board chairman in 1994. While there, he played a vital role in helping get a crucial library bond referendum passed, which resulted in the building of branches in Spring Lake and the eastern and northern regions of the city, said former library director Jerry Thrasher.

“He was a wonderful trustee who was very supportive in moving the library system forward to meet the needs of the community,” Mr. Thrasher said.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church on Moore Street. The Rev. Cureton Johnson will officiate. Burial will take place afterward at Sandhills Veterans State Cemetery in Spring Lake. A wake will be held Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Wiseman Mortuary.

JJ_BPK · 08-14-2008, 03:53

RIP,,

**Pete** · 08-14-2008, 03:57

RIP Jim

greenberetTFS · 08-14-2008, 05:44

R.I.P.

JumpinJoe1010 · 08-14-2008, 05:55

Rest In Peace

SF_BHT · 08-14-2008, 06:43

Rest in Peace.....

Goggles Pizano · 08-14-2008, 07:10

May you rest in peace.

Rogue · 08-14-2008, 07:33

Rest in Peace.... Sir

Penn · 08-14-2008, 08:16

Rest in Peace, and may God Bless your family.

Red Flag 1 · 08-14-2008, 09:45

Rest In Peace CSM Scurry!

jdl141 · 08-15-2008, 20:21

RIP Brother.

jbour13 · 08-15-2008, 21:16

RIP CSM Scurry

D9 (RIP) · 08-15-2008, 21:41

Rest in peace, CSM.

Stras · 08-17-2008, 07:32

Fayetteville Observer Obituary

James “Jim” Albert Scurry, 74, of Fayetteville, died Monday, Aug. 11, 2008, in Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.

The family will receive friends at the wake from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008, at Wiseman Mortuary, 431 Cumberland St., Fayetteville. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 18, 2008, at First Baptist Church, 302 Moore St., Fayetteville. The Rev. Dr. Cureton L. Johnson will officiate the service. Burial will follow in Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in Spring Lake.

Jim retired as a command sergeant major at Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Augusta, Ga., following an illustrious career of 30 years in the U.S. Army. Recently, he retired as dean of students after more than 20 years with Fayetteville State University.

He is survived by his wife, Marsha Coriene Dudley Scurry; a sister, Jerrie Lee Scurry Simpkins of Monetta, S.C.; two brothers-in-law; four sisters-in-law; numerous nephews and nieces; an adopted son, Malcolm (Cathy) Mangum of Durham; and a host of special friends and relatives.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to the Jim Scurry Scholarship Fund of Fayetteville State University, Division of Institutional Advancement, 1200 Murchison Road, Fayetteville, NC 28301; to the Kidney Foundation of N.C., 5970 Fairview Road, No. 550, Charlotte, NC 28210; or to First Baptist Church Building Fund, 302 Moore St., Fayetteville, NC 28301.