Death of Emeritus Trustee John Scalley

On Tuesday we received the sad news that Emeritus Trustee John “Jack” J. Scalley passed away on January 21, 2022. Please join me in keeping his wife, Judy, and their family in your thoughts and prayers.

John James Scalley

Jack joined the Genuine Parts Company in 1951, rising to the role of Executive Vice President of Genuine Parts Company from 1986 through his retirement in 1998. He also supported his alma mater, Georgia Tech, and several other organizations connected to his faith and the automotive industry.

Jack joined the Oglethorpe University Board of Trustees in 1991, and served on the Executive, Building and Grounds, and Business Affairs committees and the Presidential Search Committee in 1998. He commendably served as treasure from 2000 to 2004 before completing his board service in 2006. He was named an Emeritus Trustee in 2007. Jack was also member of the James Edward Oglethorpe Circle in recognition of his philanthropic support and leadership.

Please take the time to read the obituary shared below and to reach out to his family with personal condolences.

Obituary from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

John James Scalley
August 8, 1930 – January 21, 2022
John was born to Andrew and Kathleen Scalley on August 8, 1930. John grew up in the Bronx, New York.

Upon his graduation from high school at the age of 16, John went on to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology. He graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering. In 1956, John married Mary Sturner and had four children: Alisa John, Maryanne and Christopher. In 1984, John married Judith McCormick.

He joined Genuine Parts Company as a sales trainee in New York City after graduating from college. He was ultimately elected Executive Vice President in 1986. He served in that role until his retirement in 1998 with 47 years of distinguished service.

John was a devout Catholic who practiced his faith with devotion, philanthropy, and service. He served on the Gold Shield Foundation that provides care and assistance to police, firefighters and their families.

John is survived by his wife, four children and seven grandchildren: Annie Scalley, Laila and Lara Ahmed, Maggie and Isabelle Valkenburg, John and Gracie Scalley.

He made a strong impression on those who knew him and will be sorely missed.

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 12th, at 11 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 4465 Northside Drive, NW, Atlanta, GA 30327. A reception will follow in McDonough Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the rosary Guild at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.