He was born in Webster County, MS on September 23, 1926 -- the third of six children born of William J.B. Scott and Eula Carpenter Scott. The family moved to Sonora in Chickasaw County in 1932, and to Clay County c. 1938. From there, J.B. was drafted into the Army on his 18th birthday.

Upon his return from occupational duty in Japan in 1946, he married Betty Maud Pumphrey, daughter of Eddie Lee Pumphrey and Cornelia Carter Pumphrey. She was the ward of Robert and Elizabeth Harmon following the death of her mother in 1931. The newlyweds settled on the Harmon Place in Sparta and began a farming and dairying career that lasted fifty years. Their marriage lasted until the death of Betty Maud in 2017.

Survivors include a brother, Kenny Scott and wife Georgia of Houston; a son, William and wife, Icie of Sparta, a daughter, Sue Puckett (widow of Wade Puckett) of Wilson, AR. Also surviving are six grandchildren : Will Scott (Stacie), Harmon Scott (Beth), Joshua Scott (Maria), Kristine Puckett, Kate Broach (Aaron), Nathan Puckett (Audre Darling) and nine great-grandchildren: Carter, Lee, Robert, Joshua, James, and Brooke Scott, Galen Broach, Daegon and Ryker Darling-Puckett. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

Burial will be in Arbor Grove Cemetery.

There will be no public service.

Houston Funeral Home is assisting the family.