John "Jack" Scott

Jack grew up in a close-knit community of Irish immigrants in Chicago, many being extended family. The oldest boy in a family of eight, he shared stories of selling newspapers on the street corners at just nine years old, often stationed at the same corner where his father served as a police officer. He also embraced his love of basketball, playing on the weekends in his neighborhood, all day when allowed.

The first in his family to graduate from college, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and philosophy at De Paul University. He began his business career at Continental Insurance joining their pension consulting group. It was not long before he ventured out to establish Pension Plans, Inc. a retirement plan and life insurance consulting company. Always seeking new opportunities and driving innovation, he, along with his eldest son and business partner, John, started many other financial service firms over the years. As the founder and president of Retirement Administrators and Designers of America (RADA), he forged lifelong friendships, earned a reputation as a visionary in the retirement plan, annuity and life insurance business and played a pivotal role in developing and creating innovative insurance products.

Jack and Nancy moved to Worthington Hills in 1971 to raise their four children. Despite constant work travel, Jack was a football and soccer coach for his kids’ teams, and was the coach who every child would want- taking the team out for ice cream whether they won or lost. He was a lifelong golf member at Worthington Hills Country Club and one of the first 100 members at Muirfield Village Golf Club, playing in several Memorial Tournament Pro-Ams. Continuing his love of basketball, he played at Columbus Athletic Club for years and was a lifelong NBA fan.

Jack embraced life with passion and enthusiasm. He drove fancy cars, loved playing blackjack at casinos and card games with his friends at WHCC. He adored watching Phantom of the Opera, traveling to see the show in London and New York several times. He played his music loud, knowing all the lyrics to songs by a wide range of artists from Rod Stewart to the Italian opera singer, Laura Pausini. He watched his favorite movies too many times to count, read every book his favorite authors ever wrote (often more than once) and even meticulously annotated his all-time favorite book, “How to Run Your Own Life” by Jut Meininger, in the hopes of sharing what he believed to be its wisdom with others.

However, Jack’s true joy came from spending time with his children, and eventually, stepping into his best role in life as “Papa” to twelve grandchildren. He loved to get ice cream and donuts with his grandkids (often multiple trips on the same day), engage in funny conversations in the gazebo, lounge by the pool or push them as high as possible on the porch swing. He possessed a remarkable ability to see the best in everyone, especially his children and grandchildren. He gave genuine compliments and always showed unwavering support. He was the best cheerleader even on the toughest days.

Jack will be greatly missed by his wife Nadine “Nancy” Scott, his children, John (Pam) Scott, Mike (Cathy) Scott, Pat (Alison) Scott; and Laura (Brad) Hunt, as well as his beloved grandchildren Elli, Jack, Max, Nate, Mary Nicole, Mitch, Drew, and Will Scott, and Ryan, Jessie, Sarah, and Chloe Hunt; siblings, Eileen Kowalski, James Scott, Patricia Hones, and Mary Ellen Kinney.

Jack had a unique bond with his 22 year old grandson, Ryan, who has Down syndrome and lives in Minneapolis. In honor of Jack and Ryan's special relationship, the family kindly requests that, instead of sending flowers, donations be made to GiGi's Playhouse Twin Cities. GiGi's Playhouse is an exceptional organization that offers extensive support services and engaging social programs for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. By donating to GiGi's Playhouse Twin Cities, you can contribute to their impactful work in empowering and enriching the lives of people with Down syndrome. Your generosity will help provide resources, education and opportunities for individuals like Ryan to thrive and reach their full potential.

A Celebration of Life, Celebrating the lives of Jack and Nancy Scott will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 1pm until 3pm, at the Worthington Hills Country Club, 920 Clubview Blvd S, Columbus OH, 43235.