Obituary of Grant M. Scruggs, Jr.

Grant M Scruggs, Jr. led a remarkable life, accomplishing great athletic feats, had a profound knowledge of history and was loved dearly by his friends and family.   He fittingly passed away on the opening day of the Olympics, July 26, 2024.

Grant was born in Cleveland, Ohio.  He attended public school where he learned to enjoy competitive running.  He was offered scholarships to The Ohio State University, United States Military Academy, and Yale University, but chose to go to the University of Michigan as part of their track team specializing in the 400-meter race.  

His accomplishments spanning his storied career include being selected Tournament Champion at the World University Championships at San Sabastion, Spain in 1955. In 1956, he set the World Record in Sprint Medley Relay in East Lansing Michigan. In February 1958, he was a member of the USA Championship Sprint Medley Relay Team at Madison Square Garden. From 1956-1971, he remained a member of the New York Athletic Club Relay Teams winning many honors while achieving personal development goals in Greece, Lebanon, Iraq, India, Sweden, and Finland.

His professional and philanthropic achievements included a variety of work and causes. He was most proud of his work with the Cherokee Nation on behalf of the Rockefeller Foundation. He became a member of the Cherokee Foundation and helped run the children’s program at the New York Athletic Club. Later in life he became a member of the Knights of Columbus, dedicating himself to the Catholic men’s organization and embracing their dedication to family and community.

Grant’s family life included his marriage to Mary Jane Nettum of South Dekota in 1961. They had two children Grant and Sigrid. He is also survived by his 4 grandchildren:  Blanca, Neely, Gavin and Micco and one great grandson, Nate.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to the Mass of Christian Burial for Grant on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. Those who are unable to attend in person may attend the Mass virtually by visiting https://www.facebook.com/svmnj to view the live-streamed Mass.

Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Grant's memory to the Interfaith Food Pantry Network, 2 Executive Drive, Morris Plains, NJ 07950.