Jimmy James Scrubb

Jimmy James Scrubb, also known to family and friends as “Jimmy”, “James”, “Moses” but most of importantly . . . Dad, passed away Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at the age of eighty. He was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on January 6, 1940 to (the late) Augustus Scrubb and Margaret Gomez.

Jimmy migrated to the United States in 1970 for bigger opportunities and a better life.  He was a Merchant Marine, and made sure you knew that about him.  He joined the U.S. Merchant Marines and sailed the Great Lakes which he loved, especially Lake Michigan; he called it "Heaven on High Seas".  His proudest days were at sea when he was at his fullest and most vibrant. His favorite story was when his ship was passing through a major storm, and he was the quartermaster at the helm.  Although he might have been afraid, he didn’t show it.  His Captain looked to him as the bow dipped deep into a swell.  He said “Oh my God” as for sure he thought the ship would flounder, but it didn’t because Dad was at the helm.  He looked forward to the many trips to Holland where the locals would have a meal waiting for him in exchange for what they called “Fire” (a.k.a. rum).  Jimmy was a truly generous, giving, and kind man.

He embodied what was meant by “giving your last”, for he put his own needs last to ensure you never went without.  Jimmy was a very jolly man; everyone loved to be around him and chat with him in front of his gate at 255 Ocean Avenue which was his headquarters. Everybody would drive by and wave or honk their horns to show him love like he was the President of the United States.  He was known as ‘The Mayor of Ocean Avenue’ by neighbors and close friends.  He was the Super of 255 Ocean Avenue. To know him was to know unconditional care and love, laced with a laugh and a smile that were infectious and radiating.

Jimmy is survived by his wife Rita; his sons: Jamal, Jamie, and Jonathan; his daughters: Lisa and Penny; and a host of other relatives, neighbors and friends.

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