Fr. John Scott was born in Omaha, NE, on April 8, 1913, but the family moved to Butte, MT, where he attended Immaculate Conception Grade School and then Christian Brothers High School until 1927. Returning to Omaha, he graduated from Creighton Prep in 1931 and the same year he entered the Society of Jesus on August 8 at St. Stanislaus Seminary in Florissant, MO, and pronounced first vows on August 15, 1933.

After receiving A.B. and M.A. degrees in philosophy from St. Louis University, he taught mathematics and general science at Holy Rosary Mission in Pine Ridge, SD, from 1938 to 1941. From 1941 to 1945 he studied theology at St. Marys College in St. Marys, KS, being ordained a priest there by Bishop Paul Schulte on June 21, 1944.

After receiving his licentiate in theology from St. Louis University, he obtained also there a M.S. degree in physics in 1947 and then made tertianship at St. Joseph Hall in Decatur, IL, under the direction of Fr. Daniel H. Conway.

From 1948 to 1978 Fr. Scott taught physics at Campion Jesuit High School in Prairie du Chien, WI, and one of his former students still remembers him today as the best teacher he ever had. He was acting Superior of that community from 1975 to 1978 and pronounced his final vows there on February 2, 1977. After Campion closed, he spent one year as associate pastor of St. Agnes Church in Omaha and from 1978 to 2002 he was a writer as member of the Creighton University Jesuit Community. Due to failing health, he moved to the St. Camillus Jesuit Community in Wauwatosa, WI, where he received the needed care until his death.

With his Superior's approval Fr. Scott donated his body to medical science.

A Memorial Mass will be offered at St. Camillus on Friday, January 11, at 7:00 p.m. in the second floor chapel. A Memorial Mass will also be offered in Omaha, but specific plans are not yet completed.


Letters of condolence may be sent to:

St. Camillus Jesuit Community
c/o Rev. James J. Gladstone, S.J.
10100 West Blue Mound Road
Wauwatosa, WI 53226-4377

Mr. Robert Scott (brother)
6081 27th Avenue N
St. Petersburg, FL 33710

Mrs. Juanita Gobel (sister)
928 East Walnut Street
Hanover, PA 17331

Barbara Gobel (niece)
906 East 5th Street
Freemont, NE 68025

One suffrage is to be offered for John's eternal repose by all members of, and those applied to, the Wisconsin Province. Two suffrages are to be offered by the members of the St. Camillus Jesuit Community.

May the Lord receive John at his side forever and grant him eternal rest. Let us remember John's family in our prayers.