John Albert Scott, 71, Springfield, passed away September 14 following a sudden illness. John was the son of Aaron Albert “Jack” Scott and Mary Lee Martin Moore, and grew up in Neosho, Missouri.

He was a graduate of Neosho High School and attended Drury University and Missouri Southern State University. A former resident of Joplin, he was a survivor of the 2011 tornado.

Like his father (who was known as “Jack” for being a “jack of all trades”), John possessed many talents. He worked as an environmentalist and project engineer for Ashland Oil in the early 1980s, managed large apartment communities in major cities across the United States, and in his final role, served as a devoted job developer for AARP, where he helped older adults connect with meaningful employment opportunities.

John was a kind, generous, and warm spirit who was guided by the golden rule and left the world a better place for having been in it. He will be remembered for his infectious laugh that could fill a room, his wit, and his knack for connecting with others. He found joy in music, art, being out in nature, reading, and helping anyone in need. He will be deeply missed by his loved ones, who will endeavor to live their lives on the “sunny side of the street,” as he would have wanted.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Kidder, who was blessed to have spent more than 25 years with John, sharing laughter, love, and memories; his sister, Patricia Clower, nephew Jeremiah Jones (Stephanie), nephew Michael Clower (Jodi), and great-nieces Willow Jones-Etter (Alex) and Zoey Clower. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack, his mother Mary Lee, his brother, Michael Bruner, and his beloved dog, Sallydog.