James Arthur Scales Jr. II, 62, of Lebanon, IL, born on March 28, 1963, in Germany, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 28, 2025, at his home.
James was a loved father and brother. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed helping others. He was the type of person to give the shirt off his back, if he could. Despite any responsibilities or activities he loved, his passion was his family and God. He was a man of wisdom and full of stories of past times. James loved his old movies, the bible, and documentaries.
His hobbies and interests definitely defined who he was. He enjoyed being outdoors, being in nature and was a fan of gardening. James had a heart for animals. BBQing with family was such a passion of his. Even though he was a homebody, James loved to tell people about the “good ole days” and of his service time in the Navy. He always made time for his family and passions.
He spent 4 years in the Navy where he was a proud coreman. James mainly served in Bethesda. In fact, his family is proud of his accomplishments. He even received an Honorary award for being a part of the medical team treating President Reagan.
James left a lasting impact on everyone who knew and served with him. He surely left a mark on the world that will never fade and will always be missed.
James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Esther Scales (nee Lane); and his niece, Rebecca Jones-Scales.
Left to cherish James’s memory are his beloved wife, Donna Scales (nee Gross) of Lebanon, IL; one child, Ashley Renee Gross of Goreville, IL; Five brothers, Christian Scales of Kansas City, MO, John Scales of Lebanon, IL, David (Kim) Scales of
O’Fallon, IL, Larry (Kimmie) Scales of Fairview Heights, IL, and Daniel (Sara) Scales of O’Fallon, IL; along with one grandson, Isaiah Christopher Reade; nieces, Christina Judge, Katherine Walcott, Casey Hobson, Carlee Frerking, Kayla Cook, Justine
Moelk, Sophia Moelk; nephews, James R. K. Scales, Joshua Scales, David Griffin Scales, James Griffin Scales; his life-long best friend/brother, Dave Schaal; and many great nieces and nephews. James will truly be missed by family and friends.
Memorial donations may be made to the Belleville Area Humane Society; https://bahspets.org, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital; www.stjude.org. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.
Burial will take place on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery; 2900 Sheridan Rd., St. Louis, MO 63125.
Arrangements have been made by Schildknecht Funeral Home.
