John Scruggins

John Curtis "Jake" Scruggins, 88, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, passed away Friday, December 20, 2024, at Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah.

Mr. Scruggins was born March 14, 1936, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to the late Taft and Mary Louise Raven Scruggins. He graduated from Dewey High School, then joined the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War.

Mr. Scruggins worked the first half of his career as a Second Generation Union Iron Worker Local #584. He then became a drug and alcohol counselor for Cherokee Nation in 1990, from which he retired.

After his retirement, he was able to continue helping thousands of people through service work at Alcohol Anonymous. He loved his Cherokee heritage, Gourd Dancing, and even enjoyed playing golf from time to time.

Mr. Scruggins is survived by his loving wife, Bette Jean Hawkins Scruggins, whom he married December 28, 1996, in Fort Smith, Arkansas; three children, Jonna Sue (Justin) Burkett of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Bradley Curtis Scruggins and Gerald Avery Scruggins both of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; three step-children, Emily (Clay) Hockman of Mustang, Oklahoma, James Lee Stopp and John Calvin Stopp, both of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Raven, Kazmira, Brittany, Natasha, Cage, Robyn, Ryan, Katie, Mondo, Abby, Jacob, and David; great-grandchildren, Mila, Taft, Ozzie, Myna, Everly, Carson, Carter, Malcom, Braxton, Aria, and Julian; and a host of cousins, extended family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved aunts and uncles.

The family will receive friends Thursday, January 2, 2025, 4:00 to 6:00 pm, at Hart Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be Friday, January 3, 2025, 2:00 pm, in the Chapel of Hart Funeral Home.