Gwinnett Daily Post

By Keith Farner and Camie Young, Staff Writers

keith.farner@gwinnettdailypost.com camie.young@gwinnettdailypost.com

NORCROSS — Gwinnett and Norcross leaders are mourning the loss of Jim Scarbrough, a 72-year-old community leader who was a well-respected authority on water issues.

Scarbrough, 72, died Saturday when the scooter he was driving was struck at the intersection of Beaver Ruin Road and Indian Trail by a vehicle traveling eastbound on Beaver Ruin. The 46-year-old female driver of the eastbound vehicle failed to stop at the traffic light, Norcross Police Capt. Brian Harr said.

“I mourn the loss of Jim Scarborough, but he leaves a legacy of service to Gwinnett that we can all celebrate,” Gwinnett Commission Chairwoman Charlotte Nash said of the Department of Water Resources employee. “We were very fortunate to have access to his knowledge and insight on water issues of every kind.”

After retiring from the federal Environmental Protection Agency, Scarbrough worked as director of planning, permitting and stormwater before beginning work part-time several years ago as an executive technical assistant. He was the county’s point person on the so-called water wars between Georgia, Alabama and Florida.

“Jim’s knowledge and expertise was an enormous asset to Gwinnett’s Department of Water Resources, the county, and the state of Georgia,” County Administrator Glenn Stephens said. “We all mourn the loss of a key team member and good friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time.”

Scarbrough, a resident of Norcross’s historic area, was an active member of the Norcross Planning and Zoning Appeals Board and Sustainable Norcross Commission. He commonly sat in on city meetings.

“He was really a champion in our community,” Mayor Bucky Johnson said. “He was a knowledgable and helpful guy. He would always have some good advice for me. ... I don’t know how you can make up for that loss.”

Scarbrough, who worked for the county for 15 years was a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the Tennessee Air National Guard. He is survived by his wife Martha, three sons and six grandchildren.

A funeral service is planned for Tuesday.

Harr said Monday the investigation into the wreck is still pending, and charges have not been filed.