James Richard Scala

James Richard Scala, 77 year old Montague resident, passed away at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, Oregon on September 25, 2024. James, who most knew him as "Jim", was born on Friday, June 13, 1947 in Yreka, California, to Peter L. Scala and Elvera A. Ballestine Scala. He was a third-generation dairyman on the 690-acre ranch on Cricket Flat (Oberlin Road) in Montague. He attended Delphic Elementary School when it was a one-room schoolhouse. After graduating from Yreka High School in 1965, he briefly attended the College of the Siskiyous in Weed. Returning to the ranch after college, he continued to work alongside his parents milking cows and overlooking the dairy operation. The dairy cows were sold in 1984 and the ranch transitioned to a beef operation. After his parents passed away in 1995 he took over the ranch operation. He worked for Siskiyou Stockyards as a yard man, Shasta Livestock, and Klamath Livestock Auction as the livestock collection point for Siskiyou County cattlemen and arranged for shipment to those auctions. Throughout his life, Jim was known for his work ethic, generosity, and willingness to help others, earning the love of all who knew him. Jim was a 4-H and FFA member in elementary and high school, continuing to the FFA Advisory committee in the 70's and a 4-H leader for 53 years. He participated on the Junior Livestock Auction Committee for 54 years and was a board member for many years. He was a longtime director on the Shasta River Water Association Board where he ended his career as board president. Every year he always looked forward to attending the county fair where he and his ex-wife Caralee, along with their children and grandchildren, brought animals to show. Jim was also a huge supporter of many organizations in the community, including: Junior Livestock Auction, Siskiyou County Cattlemen, Farm Bureau, FFA, and other organizations. Jim was an outdoorsman who loved to hunt everything he could, from large game to waterfowl, along with fishing when he wasn't working on the ranch. He always looked forward to taking his family and grandkids hunting every year no matter what season it was. If Jim wasn't home, you knew you could find him hunting somewhere. Jim's greatest pride & joy were his grandchildren, who called him "Nono." You would see him at their baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball and football games, always cheering them on. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Peter and Elvera Scala. He is survived by his daughter Tracy Scala (Chuck) Faultner and son Jimmy (Alina) Scala; grandchildren Haylee Fernandes (Eric), Josh Scala, Cody Brown, Kayla Brown, Tyler Faultner, Trinity Taylor, Logan Scala, and Trevor Scala. Also surviving Jim are his siblings: sister Patty Karle (Dietmar) and brothers Peter Scala (Cecily) and Roger Scala (Mary), as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and friends. The family would like to extend our thank you to all of Jim's friends who were always willing to lend a hand in a time of need on the ranch and take him on some of his most treasured hunting and fishing trips. Jim's ashes will be scattered on the Scala ranch with the immediate family. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Montague Community Center. The family will provide BBQ tri-tip and bread. If you would like, please bring a favorite side dish or dessert to share. Also please bring your favorite memory or story to share. In lieu of flowers, the Siskiyou Bowmen is establishing a scholarship in Jim's name. Donations may be made payable to Siskiyou Bowmen, P.O. Box 1253, Yreka, CA 96097 with Jim Scala Memorial Scholarship in the memo line.

James Richard Scala

June 13, 1947 - September 25, 2024