Scott Drury

As his family and friends can attest, the world was more colorful with James “Scott” Drury around. He was vibrant, full of life, selfless toward others, and loving with every breath he took. A more devoted husband and father would be hard to find, and the example Scott set as a parent was truly inspiring. A sports enthusiast, he was a talented athlete himself, but often it was just throwing the ball around with a loved one that was the very best part. Scott was a hardworking man who was never concerned with building wealth, rather, his focus was on living fully in the moment while holding his loved ones near. Life will never be the same without him here, but the lives of countless others will be forever changed because of his love.

The 1950s were an exciting time in America. With the end of WWII in the mid-forties, the baby boom was underway and the housing market was at an all time high as people needed homes in which to raise their bustling families. Elvis Presley took the music world by storm, and James Dean made young girls swoon on the silver screen. Nestled within this vibrant time was the year 1952 that was filled with great anticipation for a young couple from Westland, Michigan, as they learned they were expecting a new baby late in the year. The big day finally arrived on December 3rd when James Calvin and Marie Drury welcomed their healthy baby boy into their hearts and home. James Scott was the middle of three boys in his family and was raised in the family home alongside his older brother, Michael, and his younger brother, Patrick. His father worked as an insurance staff manager while his mother kept busy as a wife, mother, and homemaker. She also was a licensed beautician and ran the business out of her home for 30 years.

Even at a young age Scott was always doing something. He enjoyed visits to Tiger Stadium with his father, and throughout his life it could be argued that he was the team’s biggest fan. Scott always seemed to be playing sports of some kind, too, even if it was just playing catch in the front yard with his brother Mike. When he went to play baseball with the guys he was kind enough to let his little brother tag along - and he even made sure that Pat got to pitch! Playing one-on-one tackle football in the snow with Mike at the house on August Street was a regular activity, too. To earn some extra money Scott and Pat had a lawn cutting business during the summers using the Lawn-Boy power motor that their father bought them. Every day they loaded the wagon and made the rounds. Scott let Pat drive between jobs in the neighborhood, and Pat also learned to drive in the Chevy II wagon with a "Three on the Tree.” As a teen he was interested not only in baseball, but also in Indy racing and girls, of course! In junior high Scott had his sights set on winning the baseball MVP award, and it wasn’t surprising when he made that happen just a year later.

Life was forever changed for Scott when he met the young girl of his dreams as a young man of 17. Her name was Darlene Steffen, and they met at Riverside Arena. She was only 15 at the time, but the young couple was smitten with each other right from the start. Scott and Darlene began dating, and their love began to blossom.

After graduating from high school Scott was ready for all that life had in store. He took some classes at Eastern Michigan University and achieved all A’s without even studying. His method was perhaps a bit unconventional though as he used mainly Cliff’s Notes! As a young man he served in the Coast Guard Reserves spending time in Port Huron and also attending Post Officer Leadership School. Scott was a marksman in shooting and was later honorably discharged.

Not to be forgotten during his late teens and early twenties was Scott’s relationship with his sweetheart, Darlene. With a desire to establish a life together they were married in 1975, deeply in love. In 1978 they were blessed with the birth of their first child, Michele, and she was later followed by Aaron and David. Scott was active in the lives of his children in a variety of ways. They enjoyed going to baseball games at Tiger Stadium just as Scott had with his father. He collected and traded baseball cards with his two sons, and they all looked forward to annual family vacations. Christmas was always such a special time in the Drury family as it was a time filled with plenty of laughter, love, and good old fashioned fun. Grandchildren arrived later in Scott’s life, and it was easy to see that he adored both Blake and Mia. Jake, their Cocker Spaniel, was like an additional member of the family for the past 10 years as well.

Throughout his life Scott was known for his strong work ethic. He was diligent and paid attention to detail in his work. Over the years he worked at Wards Auto Center and Consumers Power where he said it was the best week of his life when he was hired in. His daughter Michele was born and he was honorably discharged from the Coast Guard in the same week. He went on to work for Consumers for 32 years and happily retired just a few years ago.

In his leisure time Scott was a man of many interests. He was into coins and antiques, and he loved looking for treasures at garage sales with his wife. Scott also collected various memorabilia from things that were meaningful to him. He loved reading photography books and faithfully read the newspaper as well. When it came to relaxing, Scott enjoyed watching educational things on television like the History Channel as well as comedies like Seinfeld. Among his favorite movies were Jaws and Christmas Vacation, and of course baseball movies like Field of Dreams and Major League. When it came to music Scott was rock ‘n roll all the way with a couple of his favorite groups being The Rolling Stones and Bob Seger. There was nothing quite like heading out on the open road on his Harley either.

A no frills sort of man, James “Scott” Drury was an extraordinary person to know and love. He was caring and compassionate, selfless and kindhearted with a zest for life that was contagious to all who were near. Scott loved his family more than life, but a close second was his beloved Detroit Tigers. An exceptional role model and mentor to all, he will be deeply missed but never forgotten

Scott Drury (61), passed away on October 2, 2014. Loving husband of Darlene, and father of Michele, Aaron, and David. Grandfather of Blake and Mia. Beloved brother of Michael, Scott, and Patrick.

Family will receive friends Monday October 6, 2014 from 4-9pm at the Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home, 45100 Warren, Canton, MI (Between Sheldon and Canton Center roads)

A Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, 1:00pm at the Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home, 45100 Warren, Canton, MI (Between Sheldon and Canton Center roads) Please visit www.TurowskiLifeStory.com, where you can leave a memory or sign the online guest book.