James L. Scotton, III

James L. Scotton III, devoted husband, beloved father, and cherished grandfather, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025, at the age of 71. Known to his loved ones as Jimmy, and to friends as Jim, he was admired for his many artistic talents, the beauty he created in his garden, and for a love that revealed itself through thoughtful gestures, attentive listening, and a steady, reassuring presence. More than anything, Jim was deeply proud of his family and will be remembered for the love he shared with them—a love that continues to live on in their hearts.

Growing up in Newark, Delaware, Jim spent his childhood outdoors, exploring nature and playing freely with his brother, sister, and cousins. He enjoyed baseball with his friends and was a member of the Nottingham Green Swim Team, where he also worked as a lifeguard. From a young age, Jim showed a real gift for drawing and painting. One of his first paintings was of seagulls, inspired by the time he spent as a child and young adult on Long Beach Island—a place he loved and returned to throughout his life. Finding true love and a partner early in life was one of his biggest blessings. He met his future wife, Janice Laine, when he graduated from Newark High School in 1971. Married for over 48 years, together they built a beautiful life and raised three wonderful children, creating a close-knit family filled with love and support.

Jim’s passion for art led him to earn a BS in Advertising and Graphic Design from the University of Delaware in 1975, launching his career as a Graphic Designer and Art Director in DuPont’s Graphics & Design Department. As the design industry shifted from traditional print to emerging digital technologies, Jim not only adapted—he embraced the change. In the early 1990s, he dove into web design, teaching himself to hand-code HTML and contributing to the development and launch of DuPont’s very first website. As time went on, he continued to lead digital initiatives, spearheading successful campaigns for some of the company’s most significant innovations. Over the course of his 46-year career, Jim’s creativity and leadership earned him a position as a Global Leader on DuPont’s Digital Marketing and Communications team.

Throughout his life, Jim lovingly shared his passions with his children, encouraging them to pursue their interests and build lives full of creativity and meaning. He introduced his daughter, Melissa, to one of the earliest versions of Photoshop and taught her how to hand-code websites—skills that ignited her deep love of design, setting her on the path to becoming a Graphic Designer and Art Director, proudly following in her dad’s footsteps. Jim was a gifted fine artist who also had a heartfelt connection to his garden, finding peace and joy in curating and nurturing flowers and plants. It was a love he passed on to his daughter Sara, who carries that spirit forward as an accomplished Artist and Floral Designer. He passed down his fascination with technology to his son Daniel, planting the seeds of curiosity, focus, and a love of learning—qualities that would grow into a meaningful career in the health technology field. Alongside these interests, Jim instilled a strong work ethic in each of his children and took immense pride in their accomplishments and the people they have become.

Photography was another creative outlet Jim truly enjoyed. He had an artist’s eye for capturing overlooked details and unexpected moments, often taking Janice along on his unique photo excursions. After their children arrived, he focused on capturing everyday family life and special memories through photos and videos. Jim loved playing golf and the quiet beauty of a well-designed course. Over the years, he traveled up and down the East Coast, playing more than 50 different courses and building an extensive collection of souvenir golf balls. He loved visiting LBI every summer, carrying on traditions and sharing childhood memories of the island with his children. He loved building intricate sandcastles by the shore and unwinding on the front porch with a cold beer in hand. 

Jim found joy in everyday comforts: watching the birds in his yard, tending to his thriving garden and thoughtfully landscaped yard, snuggling with the family dog Yahba, cherishing family TV nights, singing along to his favorite rock music, and making chili when the weather turned cool. For the past two years, Jim’s greatest joy was spending time with his grandson, Rivers—doting on him and embracing his role as “Grandpa.” He affectionately called Rivers his “little buddy,” and treasured the times they sat close together on the couch, his arm around Rivers, watching his beloved Eagles and Phillies. Jim loved playing with toy cars alongside Rivers and even surprised him with a model of his 1967 Volkswagen Beetle—a special gift that reflected their close bond. Though their time together was too short, the family takes solace in the enduring love that will forever surround Rivers and each of them, with Jim watching over them gently and faithfully, now and always.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Janice; children, Melissa, (Michael), Sara, and Daniel; grandchild, Rivers; sister, Tina; sister-in-law, Julie; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, James and Nancy; brother, Stephen T. and nephew Stephen R. Scotton.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held in June.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Breakthrough T1D (JDRF), or the American Heart Association.