Geneseo, NY - James Bert Scholes was born on April, 1921, in Stamford, Connecticut, third son and youngest child of Samuel Ray and Elizabeth (Boren) Scholes. He died from complications of a fall November 15, 2016, in Livingston County, New York.
He grew up in Alfred, New York, where he and Eloise Bassett were married October 31, 1942. A graduate of Middlebury College, he served as an engineer officer in World War II. As a professor of English, he taught in Kansas, Illinois, Tennessee, North Carolina, and (from 1959 to 1984) at the State University of New York at Geneseo, where he received teaching awards in 1964 and 1976. Following retirement, he enjoyed a second career on the regional stage in and around Rochester in dramatic vehicles from Chekhov to On Golden Pond, and most recently in the Geriactors, a senior traveling troupe which he co-founded.
He was the last of his generation in the family, having been predeceased be his wife, and siblings Samuel Ray Scholes Jr., Ann (Scholes) Colvin, and Addison Boren Scholes. Survivors include his daughter Sandra Scholes Henderson, son-in-law Harold Henderson, three grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and nieces and nephews. Friends, colleagues, and relatives cherish memories of his enthusiasm, his determination, his unfailing sense of humor, and his generosity with time, money, and spirit.
A memorial reception will be held in the future. Please consider memorial donations to WXXI, the Teresa House in Geneseo, or the ACLU. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.