James Lawrence Scott, loving father and Poppa

OLEAN — James Lawrence Scott, of Olean, passed away Thursday (June 4, 2026) after a short illness.

Born Sept. 6, 1938, in Olean, he was the son of Gertrude and Lawrence Scott. On April 22, 1960, he married the love of his life, Freida Wiley Scott. They celebrated their 63rd anniversary in 2023 and are now reunited.

James was a graduate of Olean High School, Class of 1956, and attended the University of Buffalo.

James served in the U.S. Army Reserves, was employed at Cooper Industries (formerly McGraw Edison) for 30-plus years; owned L&S Store with Greg Lindamer from 1978-1982, where they sold fly fishing materials and equipment; and was also a ranger at the SBU Golf Course.

Jim and Freida were proud snowbirds, spending 28 years embracing Florida life. Jim enjoyed fly fishing, hunting, gardening and being with family. He taught fly fishing for the Olean City School adult education program, was a current member of Grace Gathering Church in Olean and was very active in the Methodist Churches, in both Olean and Arcadia, Fla. Proudly, Jim announced that he was still golfing up until the age of 86.

James is survived by his children, Kathy (Dan) Koenig of Greenville, S.C., Mike (Karin) Scott of Montgomery, Texas, Chris (Mark) Stavish of Olean and Marcia Scott of Irmo, S.C.; grandchildren, Logan Scott of Texas, Jake Koenig, Kira (Scott) Warren, Abby Stavish and Maddy (James) Hardenbergh; and great-grandchildren, William and Benji Warren.

In addition to his wife Freida, he was predeceased by a grandson, Ethan Scott; and sister, Sylvia Foster.

Family will receive friends from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesday (June 10, 2026) at Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean, with funeral services beginning in the funeral home at 11 a.m. Pastor Becky Worth of Grace Gathering will officiate.

Memorials may be made to Grace Gathering Church, 235 N. Union St., P.O. Box 8, Olean, NY 14760; or the Friends of the Pines of Olean, P.O. Box 310, Machias, NY, 14101.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Guenther Funeral Home, 1303 E. State St., Olean.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.