James Scruggs​

James “Jim” T. Scruggs was an iconic, gifted teacher who was respected and loved by hundreds of students and colleagues. Jim inspired, challenged, motivated and mentored his students wherever he taught. He was an excellent language arts teacher and an amazing Academic Decathlon coach for West High. 

During his tenure at West, his teams were undisputed powerhouses in Academic Decathlon over a period that some called the Decade of Dominance.  When it came to academic competitions, Jim Scruggs set the gold standard.

Jim was born and raised in the small town of Elkton, Virginia, not far from the Blue Ridge Mountains. He was the son of J. Thomas and Margaret Duff Scruggs. Jim graduated from Randolph-Macon College in 1957 and received a master’s degree from American University in Washington, DC. His first days of teaching were at Bakersfield High School in the early 60’s.
​
During his career in the Kern High School District he also taught at West, East and South high schools. His career in teaching and education continued for thirty-two years until his retirement in 1993. After his retirement he returned to Virginia, taking up residence in Alexandria. He lived close to Washington D.C. where he engaged in volunteer work for the National Park Service.