John Scott Jonas, age 66, of Anderson, SC, passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Rainey Hospice House surrounded by his loving family.

Born October 26, 1958, in Rutherfordton, NC, he was a son of the late Garland Marvin Jonas and Novella Goode Jonas. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Ronnie Elmore and Jimmy Elmore.

Scott joined the United States Navy in 1976. He served on the USS Forrestal from 1976-1979. He was released from active duty and transferred to the Navy Reserve in 1979. Scott was a member of the Navy Cargo Handling Battalion Four (NCHB-4). In 1990, NCHB-4 was the first Cargo Handling Battalion to be recalled to active duty in support of Operation Desert Storm/Shield and was deployed all over the world. During this time, Scott served as Command Boatswain for NCHB-4. He was in charge of all shipboard loading and unloading operations. NCHB-4 was the first Reserve Battalion to receive the Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal since WWII.

In 2000 Scott was recalled to active duty and stationed in Williamsburg, VA until 2001. During this time, he assisted with preparation of a Cargo Handling Manual. Scott served as Command Senior Chief of NCHB-4 until his retirement, serving a total of 28 ½ years in the US Navy.

During his military tenure, the ribbons and medals he received included the following: Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3), Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Battle Efficiency "E" Ribbon (4), Navy Reserve Meritorious Service Medal (3), Navy Reserve Overseas Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2), Navy Reserve Sea Service Ribbon (2), Navy/Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon (2), Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), and M-16 Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon.

During his career, he also worked at METCO, Inc. as a machinist and quality control manager. He was a member of Homeland Park Baptist Church. Scott was loved by all who knew him and was a friend to many.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sherri Martin Jonas; daughter, Audra Brook Jonas; brother, Tracy Jonas; sister, Robin Parks; granddaughter, Hayley Naomi Jonas; and great grandchildren, Jaxson Elijah Jonas and Grayson Samuel Cheek; also survived by his beloved yorkie, Queenie.

The family will receive friends on Monday, March 17, 2025, from 11:00 am until 12:30 pm at The McDougald Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 12:30 pm in the Chapel with Rev. Kurt Stutler officiating. Burial will follow at M.J. Dolly Cooper Veterans Cemetery.

The family will be at the residence.