Alfred "Jim" Scully

Alfred James Scully, known as Jim to family and friends, passed away at his home on August, 2, 2024 in Opelika, AL at the age of 77.  Jim was born in Zirndorf, Germany on June 24, 1947.  As a proud “Army brat,” Jim grew up in Germany, Turkey, and the United States.  He graduated from Pacelli High School in Columbus, GA and later from the University of Dallas.  It was during his time in Dallas that he became a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan.  His Catholic upbringing made him a Notre Dame fan, and more recently, he became an Auburn fan.

Jim’s degree in Philosophy exposed him to some of the great thinkers in contemporary Christian theology.  Throughout his life, he continued to learn and grow by actively seeking out discussions and readings that would challenge him and, in the right setting, anyone he was conversing with. His recent attraction to the writings of Richard Rohr was the source of much discussion with family and friends.  Jim enjoyed golf and cycling until recent health issues restricted him. 

The international lifestyle of his youth continued in adulthood.  He first served as Dean of Students for the University of Dallas’ extension campus in Rome, Italy, and then had a successful, decades long international licensing career in the apparel industry.  He served as International Marketing Manager at Haggar Clothing Company.  That role led him to be elected President of the United States Apparel Industry Council. Those experiences led to his selection by President George H.W. Bush to serve as a member of the working group that negotiated the North American Free Trade Agreement.

As his career progressed, he became a principal facilitator of international licensing in the apparel industry with such brands as Perry Ellis, Penguin, PGA Tour and Ping.  He eventually became Vice President of International Licensing for the US Polo Association, the global governing body for the sport of polo.  Jim wore out some passports in the fifteen years he served in that role. 

The time away from family and friends during his career led Jim to greatly cherish the time he could spend with those special to him later in life.  In retirement, Jim and his wife, Lisa, settled in Opelika, AL.  He enjoyed visiting with family, socializing with the neighborhood “Porch Pirates,” traveling and spending time with his best buddy, Lisa.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Francis E (Frank) and Fridl (Miller) Scully of Auburn.  Jim is survived by his wife Lisa Caplan Scully of Opelika, AL; children John Scully and his wife Allison, and children Nora, Nolan and Eliot of Cypress, TX;  daughter Suzanne Ricci and husband Keith, and children Jacob, Isabella and Katarina of Dallas; brother Steven Scully and his wife Judy of Opelika, AL; sister Kimberly Scully Wesley and her husband Raymond of Huntsville, AL; sister Deborah Scully Wilcher of Auburn, AL as well as many friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Jim’s honor to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

A memorial service will be held for Jim on August 9, 2024, at St Mary of the Mission Catholic Church in Opelika, AL at 11am.

The Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika, AL is assisting the family during this difficult time.