Norcross to Hold Tree Dedication for Jim Scarbrough

A tree dedication ceremony has been scheduled for in a scooter-automobile accident last June.

The community is welcome to attend the dedication Sunday, April 21, at 2 p.m. in Thrasher Park. The tree has been planted in his memory near the gazebo along North Peachtree Street, and a memorial plaque will be unveiled.

"Please join us in a celebration of Jim Scarbrough’s life, as we remember a man who was a friend to many and gave so much to his community," said Norcross PR manager Tixie Fowler in an email.

After the Sunday ceremony, attendees are invited to enjoy light refreshments while visiting with his wife, Martha, and friends.

On June 16, 2012, Scarbrough was driving his scooter at the intersection of Indian Trail Road and Beaver Ruin Road in Norcross. He was turning left when a car ran through a red light and hit him, according to police. The 72-year-old died on scene following the wreck.

Shortly after Scarbrough passed away, Ellis Lamme, who is the President of the Georgia Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) and friend of Scarbrough, had the idea of planting a tree in his memory with a plaque, Fowler said. Lamme envisioned it being planted in Norcross, and he envisioned it as a "good sturdy tree" befitting his friend's memory.

Now, thanks to RC&D, the Whistle Stop Farmers Market, the city of Norcross and Sustainable Norcross, this "good sturdy tree" has been planted and is growing in Thrasher Park.

Scarbrough was well known throughout the community. Since he was a retiree from the EPA, the Air Force and Gwinnett County Water Resources, he was considered an expert in environmental issues. In Norcross, he was a huge supporter of Sustainable Norcross, the Tree Preservation Board, and the Parks and Green Space Commission. 

See also:

• Norcross Remembers James Scarbrough
• Driver in Norcross Scooter Fatality Charged With Vehicular Homicide
• Norcross Man on Scooter Dies in Wreck

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