CSM(R) James"Jim" Scurry

[BMT (RIP)]

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]

RIP,,

[Pete]

RIP Jim

[greenberetTFS]

R.I.P.

[JumpinJoe1010]

Rest In Peace

[SF_BHT]

Rest in Peace.....

[Goggles Pizano]

May you rest in peace.

[Rogue]

Rest in Peace.... Sir

[Penn]

Rest in Peace, and may God Bless your family.