Above: John Scarbrough at the top of the 22-story Regions Plaza building, the tallest building in metro Jackson, for Over the Edge with Friends, a fundraiser for Friends of Children’s Hospital. 2023 was his final year to chair the event. John not only chaired Over the Edge with Friends since it began seven years ago in 2016, but he also holds the title as the sole individual to rappel each of the past seven years. To top it all off, Over the Edge with Friends surpassed $1 million in total funds raised from 2016 to 2023!
Earlier this year, on June 6, Friends of Children’s Hospital (FCH) bid farewell to its esteemed Board Chairman, John Scarbrough. John serves as General Manager of Paul Moak Automotive in Jackson. John, who has devoted an impressive 14 years to the organization, including the past two years as Board Chairman, concluded his term at the helm of one of Mississippi’s most impactful charitable organizations.
During his tenure, John played a pivotal role in steering FCH towards remarkable growth and success. As a testament to his dedication, John served for four years on the executive council and took on the role of interim executive director. His legacy is marked not only by financial achievements but also by the indelible impact he made on the lives of patients and families served by the state’s only children’s hospital.
One of John’s standout achievements was his success as the Car Tag Promotions Chair. Under his leadership, the Mississippi alumni chapters of The University of Alabama and Louisiana State University joined forces, donating proceeds from their respective Mississippi specialty license plates to FCH. Over the past 14 years, FCH car tag revenue has exceeded an impressive $5.2 million, with more than 136,000 tags sold.
John’s passion for fundraising was further exemplified by his chairmanship of the “Over the Edge with Friends” rappelling fundraiser event, a position he held from 2016 to 2023. Over the Edge with Friends raised over $1.1 million during the seven years under John’s guidance. In the spring of 2023, he initiated yet another successful fundraiser for FCH — the “Clays for Kids” clay shooting tournament, which raised $70,000.
However, beyond the dollar figures, John’s legacy is defined by his heart, drive, wisdom and servant leadership style. He leaves behind a lasting impact that extends far beyond the balance sheet. In recognition of his exemplary service, the FCH Board honored John with the first FCH car tag ever issued in 2005. Additionally, a bench in front of the children’s hospital will be dedicated to him, serving as a permanent testament to his dedication. A tree in the Rainbow Garden will also be dedicated to John and his wife, Jeanne, in memory of their son, Hudson Scarbrough.
As John takes his leave from the FCH Board, the organization and the community have benefited from his tireless efforts, unwavering commitment and the positive impact he has had on the lives of countless children and their families.
Above: John Scarbrough was presented with the first Friends of Children’s Hospital license plate in recognition of his exemplary service to Friends of Children’s Hospital 2009-2023. John (center) is photographed with the Friends of Children’s Hospital board of directors and staff. Back row (L-R): Jordan H. Bryan, Janna Lampton, Jill Dale, Aimee Garner, Jennifer Johnson, Ben James, and Byron Burkhalter. Front row (L-R): Teresa Matthews, Caitlin Foreman, Mary Clift Abdalla, Kristin Allen, John Scarbrough, Nicole Cleveland, MD, Gabe Baldwin, Meredith Aldridge, Leslie Campbell, Samantha Moore and Aaron Samuels.
