James F. Sanscrainte

I’m so sorry for your loss. We were stationed together in Alaska back in 1996/1997. He was such a nice person. I still remember the time that we dared him to try some ghost pepper hot sauce. And of course he did it and his whole face turned red. That memory makes me laugh and remember what a fun person he was. Rest in peace scratch, you will be missed 🙏

Our families met in 2009 when we both moved into our new homes. James and Melissa are always known by us as “the best neighbors ever!” Jim and I shared a lot of time and memories being next door to each other for 12yrs. We both worked on our old cars, shared a few beers and had a bonfire in the driveway every Halloween while we tried to scare the s#*t out of some kids. I was amazed watching him hone his skills as a guitar maker. Jim was the calmest friendliest bud I ever met.

My funniest story was the night James was out doing his night owl thing. Being the good neighbor, he noticed I left my garage open so he decided to rectify the situation. Meanwhile my wife and I hear our garage open and close a couple of times at 3 in the morning, so we jump out of bed and run our intruder “checklist”. Anyway, while I’m out talking to the sheriffs, James comes running out of his house, apologizing profusely about how it was him trying to close our garage. We laughed about it for years.

We moved a couple miles away from Jim and Melissa, but we’re gonna miss our random run-ins with him at the store. My whole families lives are better having known him.

I know you’re listening Jim, you still owe me a Ukelele.

Jim was my neighbor in 2002 & I used to talk to him when he was working on his car when I was in high school. He gave me the peace sign every time he drove by... One day I had an accident where I was in a coma & after that Jim would help me learn how to play guitar again by just having jam sessions with me. He would tune my guitars & he even gifted me a guitar with my name on it that was signed by multiple artists. It was his old guitar that he used to bring with him on air force plane rides that he called " the traveling guitar" (or one of them). & Melissa made me homemade chocolate chip cookies a lot simply out of kindness. Great neighbors and friends.

I met Scratch through my brother Brandon and I have always felt thankful to have met him and gotten to know him. He is one of the few people that I have known in my life that just exuded positivity, loved people, and would be there for you if you needed someone. I didn't get to spend a lot of time with Scratch, but I already feel the loss from this world of one of it's true great spirits. I am happy, though, to know that he has a family that will continue to shine rays of his light for years to come.

Scratch was a gentle soul, and one of the kindest human beings you could ever meet. He welcomed people with a smile, a genuine smile, that immediately put them at ease. After serving with him for about 10 years in Charleston, we both PCS’d to different bases across the country. In 2009, I ended up leaving Norfolk and heading to a deployment abroad, and he was there- we ended up on the same flight. It’s funny how seeing my old buddy and getting a hug and a smile managed to put me at ease and instantly feel at home, as if I saw my own brother. That’s the thing, he always treated me like he was my big brother. His friendship also introduced me to Melissa, a beautiful human inside and out, which I will be eternally grateful for.

Scratch had a guitar in his hand whether it be on a mission, going to see live music, or just at his home jamming out. I’ll never forget being on a mission with him abroad, and as I was getting off the elevator in the lobby of our hotel of our at about 4 AM, I heard music coming from outside. I walked out and found him sitting on the stairs, playing his guitar. There was a crowd of locals, listening to him and smiling and clapping. That was the thing about Scratch- not just his love of music, but his smile and kindness transcended language barriers, transcended words.

I always knew I had a friend for life, and I knew if I ever called him or needed help he would be there. That’s who he was. The world lost an incredible human, one of the sincerely kindest people I have ever met in my life. Sending my love and deepest sympathies to Melissa, Julia and Cole. You were his world, and I truly believe he will always be with you, watching over you.

Filled with so many emotions as I attempt to articulate in writing how truly special James was. His light shined bright. I have so many wonderful memories with Jim whether it was traveling the world together, watching live music or just playing music together in his music room in Charleston. I never felt so comfortable in my skin as I did when in his presence. He had such a disarming affect on others. God moved through him and it showed in his actions. He was patient, kind, loyal, tough and always down for a good laugh. As I look through my text message exchanges with him over the years, I’m thankful it is loaded with “I love you” at the end of every message. I love you and always will brother. Until we meet again.

I first met Jim when I got to Charleston Air Force Base, in late 1993. We both served in the 437th Security Forces together. We quickly became best friends and remained so for the past 32 years. We had so much in common, we came from large families, had an intense love for music, and guitars. In addition to having so much in common, I came to realize that Jim was truly a special person. For one, he was absolutely one of the most selfless, and most positive persons I have ever known. You often hear people say things like “he would give you the shirt off his back.” Yet, that was not hyperbole with Jim, he literally would give you the shirt off his back if he thought you needed it. That's who he was, he was that kind of person. In all the years I knew him, I never once heard him speak badly of anyone else. Not even one single time. Think about that for a minute. How many people do you know that you can truly say that about? He was absolutely a great guy and we spent so many great times together. I will share a few of my favorites.

While stationed in Charleston in the early 90s, our dorm rooms were really close to each other. Jim always had the latest and greatest stereo and surround system. He was an audiophile which is another thing we had in common. Anyways, his room quickly became party central, mainly because Jim just couldn’t say no to anyone who wanted to drop by. Even when the music got really loud and the crowds grew large, I don’t remember anyone ever calling and complaining, probably because everyone just loved Jim. We had some epic times there. I remember one of the most hilarious, was when I showed up and Jim had his head completely shaved. He had decided to have another soldier give him a trim with some clippers he had got at the BX to save a few bucks on a haircut. But since the other guy didn’t have any barber skills whatsoever, he kept messing up, having to go a little shorter each time, and eventually he just said screw it. Just shave it all off. LOL.

About a year after I met Jim, we decided to take a road trip on a rare weekend off. We were driving from Charleston, back to Lenoir, NC where I am from to go visit my family and play some music. It was in the winter, and when we got around Charlotte the snow started to mix with ice. I looked over at the Jersey barricades on the side of the road and turned to Jim and with concern said in my deep southern accent “reckon that is ice.” Jim was from Detroit and I don’t think he had ever heard anyone say “reckon” before (or at least not with a deep southern draw). So he turns to me and says “recognize what?” To which I repeated, “reckon that’s ice?” he again repeated, “recognize what?”. That exchange kept repeating for at least 10 more times before he figured out what I was actually saying. We then had a great laugh at our linguistic cultural differences and laugh about it to this day.

Fast forward to the early 2000s, I had got off active duty and went in the Air Guard. Jim remained active and had become a Raven, (a special elite team that provided undercover security on high risk flights). He flew all over the world doing that and I always enjoyed hearing his stories of his travels. One time, my wife and I had bought a camper and were staying at James Island County park near Charleston. I called Jim and he had just got in from a flight and had been on a mission for several weeks. It was like 11:30 on a Friday night. Most people would have said I will catch you in the morning. But not Jim. I barely made it to the store before closing and picked up some ribeyes and a few beers and he drove straight to the camp site before he even went home. We just sat there and talked and played guitar until the wee hours in the morning. Until this day, that was one of the best steaks I ever had. And honestly, I think it has something to do with the fact that it was shared with such a great friend.

In the 2020s, I feel so fortunate that we got to spend a couple of vacations together and bring our families together for them. Jim and Melissa and the kids came to see us in Southport, NC where my band was playing. We got a beach house and stayed together the whole week. We had so many great times that week. Jim never met a stranger and we would lose him in the crowd at the gigs each night as he insisted that he carry the tip jar to every person in the crowd. He loved music so much and had a ball that week and promoted us to anyone that would listen. We played several gigs that week and by the end of the gig, Jim would have a whole new crew of friends he had made.

Most recently, we took a trip out West in August and shared an air bnb near Zion National Park, in Utah. We only had a couple of days there but we had so much fun. It always seemed that no matter how much time you were with Jim, it just wasn’t enough time. It was so great to see our families together. I remember we were sitting outside and having a few beers together the last evening we were there, and our wives were playing corn hole together and our kids (which are now adults) were playing in the pool and the weather was beautiful. I looked at Jim and just thought of how far we had come since those early days in Charleston. I thought of how lucky we are to have such great families. I said, “Jim, “we made it man” this is as “good as it gets.” He knew exactly what I meant. He said in his hearty voice, "ABSOLUTELY"!!! He then raised his beer for a toast and looked me dead in the eye and said “I love you like a brother” and I said, “I love you like a brother.” We said our goodbyes the next morning. Little did any of us know it would be the last one.

I am going to miss you Jim Sanscrainte,.... we all are. Until we meet again my friend, farewell to my brother in arms.


Chet Palmer

Sharon and I are so saddened by your loss! May he rest in peace!

John Takerer

Melissa,
I'm sorry for your loss. Jim was a great man and friend. I remember him showing up in Charleston, he came by room one day and asked what band I was listening too? I told him it is was Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Little did I know that would start our friendship and the enjoyment of sharing music. One of the funniest moments was when we went to a concert at some new outdoor venue that just opened. We were walking around when we found a backstage pass and Jim was like; I'll be back so you can go hang with the band as well. 3 hours later he came back out with the pass a slight lean and stumble to his walk and handed it to me. To bad the concert was over. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him.

RIP my friend

I’m so proud of my brother James… He was always a joy to be around. He created a beautiful family and touched many lives as you can see by these photos. He was particularly wonderful to my son Michael Paul and Michael loved him dearly. We have so many fond memories of he and Melissa and the kids visiting us in Florida. My husband who has also made his transition, loved him dearly. They’re now together in paradise along with our mother and many of James other loved family and friends who have also transitioned . He was an awesome brother, and I will hold him forever in my heart.❤️

Melissa,

I was deeply saddened to learn about James passing. Please accept my sincerest condolences during this time. I hope the love and support of those around you bring comfort and peace in the days ahead. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Melissa,
I am so, so sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. I still remember when you first started dating Jim — he’d leave those classic “SF-style” messages on the answering machine: “Melissa, this is Jim. It is 4 December at 1317 hours — please call me.” It always made me smile.
I was honored to be at your IOP wedding and to witness the amazing circle of family and friends who gathered to celebrate you and Jim. I’ve always admired his personable nature and his dedication to his country, his Raven's and his primary passion — you, Julia, and Cole… and of course, his guitars and that car (did he ever finish it?).
Although his time here was far too short, I know he made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He did good in this world, and his presence will stay with you until you meet again.

OOOOOUUUUTSTANDING!!!!!!!

Dan & Colleen Quinn

With deepest sympathy and love,
Dan

Scratch was the best friend I ever had. From the moment we met we hit it off. As I’m certain he did with everyone he met. As I sit here thinking about him. Memories of golfing with him, going fishing and so many Raven trips around the world flood my mind. He was so kind and generous.

Once on a mission, we stopped in Maryland to spend the night. As we were approaching the hotel we saw two homeless people. A man and a woman. It was freezing and snowing outside. Later that night I went to Scratche’s room and both those people were in there. He bought them food and let them sleep in his bed and he and I slept on the floor. That’s who he was.

I will never forget nor stop admiring his generous heart. He was someone I will always look up to. He was the best husband and father. He always set the best example of how to take care of his wife and kids.

I’m so sad that he’s gone, but so thankful and lucky to have had him as a friend. I will miss you buddy. For the rest of my life. Go Blue.

When i think of my Uncle Jim, the first word that comes to mind is “cool”. When i was a kid, i used to watch him play guitar with my dad and i would tell him “wow you’re so good you could be a rockstar!” He would humbly chuckle. He didn’t know how cool he was, but we all did. He was so kind, funny, strong, and humble. His service and love for our country was truly inspiring. My dad would always tell us stories about my uncle and he would beam with pride. He was so proud of his military service. The first time my Uncle Jim held my son Rhett, Rhett stared at him in awe because he looked so much like my dad. He kept looking at my Uncle Jim and then looking at my dad like wait is this my papa too? They are so similar in so many ways and everytime I got to see them together, watching their brotherly bond was so heartwarming. My Uncle Jim‘s life was an amazing one that is definitely worth celebrating. We will all miss him so much. I will continue his memory by sharing the stories with my kids that my dad always shared with me.

Scratch was one of the warmest, friendliest people I’ve ever known—always ready to help anyone in need. When I was first stationed in Charleston, he made me feel welcome right away. We spent countless nights at concerts or just sitting around listening to him and friends play guitar for hours. To this day, I can’t hear a Pearl Jam song without thinking of him.
So many good memories and good times. I can still hear his voice whenever I had good news—his signature “Outstanding!” that always came with genuine happiness for others. You’ll be deeply missed, my friend, by everyone lucky enough to have known you.