Obituary of James Scott Hetherington

James Scott Hetherington passed away on June 5, 2023.  He was 72.  

Scott will be deeply missed by his family, his many musician friends, and many other dear friends.

Scott was a unique man. He was curious about many things, had great mental clarity and deeply pursued his interests, which included music, especially the blues, guitars, and cars. He was a great dancer. He loved birds and had a wonderful German Shepherd, Bear.

Scott was adept at fixing things. He never got a computer but had subscriptions to at least 40 publications. He loved shopping at garage sales, mapping them out via paper maps, and thrift stores. He was a generous soul and gifted often and creatively. Scott was a connoisseur of the best, including Taittinger champagne, knives, and watches. 

Scott was a wonderful conversationalist and befriended all kinds of people wherever he went. He worked on the railroad for many years where he made lifelong friends.

In his young days he was a swimmer and, later in life, an avid bicyclist, often taking 50 mile rides up in the mountains. He hitchhiked all over the West and up and down California, and throughout Europe and Morocco.

Scott had lacerating insight into events and people. He had a wonderful, goofy sense of humor. He was charming, and both women and men loved him. 

Scott leaves behind his brother John of Stuart, Florida; his sisters Kim of Bremen, Maine and Liza of Mendham, NJ; brothers-in-law Henry and Eli; and niece Hannah. His parents Alexander and Elizabeth Hetherington pre-deceased him.

The world is a bit darker without his shining presence, but those who were fortunate to know him will carry a piece of Scott in their souls and smile. He loved you all.

A celebration of Scott’s life will be held for his friends and loved ones, date pending.