James Scott Reynolds, 68, died due to heart problems related to an earlier heart attack March 26, 2026 at Kane Ridge Rehab Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was born March 20, 1958 in Galion Ohio, the son of James L Reynolds and Elizabeth Reynolds.
Scott graduated from Galion Senior High School, class of 1976. He was a three-year starter on his high school basketball team and member of the 1975 NOL Championship team and First Team All-NOL and Northwest District Team in 1976. He went on to play basketball at Mount Vernon Nazarene College (now University) and was a winner of Good Conduct, Overseas Deployment and Humanitarian Service recognition while serving in the United State Marine Corps. Scott later became involved with Teen Challenge. In 2004 he was ordained and later became the executive director of the Midland, Texas, Teen Challenge Center. In 2008 he was named a recipient of the Presidential Call to Service Award, presented by President George Bush. He has also served as Senior Pastor of the Teen Challenge Center in Lansing, Michigan and later pastored a church in Howard, Ohio. He was also a lifelong Ohio State Buckeye fan.
Scott will be remembered for his strong faith, his love for family and friends, and his desire to make a difference locally and in the world.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Sara Beth. Surviving in addition to his wife, Shannon Reynolds, are his daughter Lauren Reynolds, son Taylor Chase Reynolds, cousins Bethany Wennell, Jennifer Hart, Marsha Dewinter, and Jill Sanders, and niece Brandy Wyrick.
Scott chose cremation, but we will celebrate his life April 11th at Community Christian Fellowship, 23436 Newcastle Road, Gambier, Ohio at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Crescendo Ministries 491 Hornscreek Rd, Old Fort, Tennessee 37362.
