Essex Jawong Scales
Essex Ja Wong Scales passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025, at his son’s home, surrounded by his loving family. Born on August 29, 1953, at Fort Eustis, Essex was the son of an American Army Sergeant and his Korean bride, Duk Soon, whom he met and married during the Korean War.
As a proud "army kid," Essex grew up moving across the United States and overseas. One of his most cherished memories was relocating to Alaska, where, for the first time, he encountered children who “looked like me,” after previously attending a segregated school in South Carolina. The family eventually settled in Hampton, Virginia, where Essex graduated from high school.
Essex went on to attend the University of Virginia, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Drama. He was most interested in the behind-the-scenes elements of theater, he specialized in lighting and design, developing a lifelong passion for theater, film, and the performing arts. While at UVA, Essex became a brother in Pi Lambda Phi fraternity and was proud to serve as the fraternity’s first Rex of color. He also participated in the ROTC program and later fulfilled 20 years of service in the Army Reserves, retiring as a Captain.
Professionally, Essex was a creative thinker and problem solver. After a period of self-employment, he found his calling in computer drafting and project management overseeing construction projects, spending many years at William A. Edgerton’s architecture firm, where he left a lasting legacy. At the time of his passing, Essex worked as a Program Analyst in UVA’s Department of Computer Science, a role he cherished for the collaboration, friendships, and challenges it provided. Essex always made friends at work and enjoyed working.
Beyond his career, Essex led a full and vibrant life. He was an avid lover of plants, photography, art, and mask making. He enjoyed walking his farm, indulging in sushi and doughnuts, and quoting his favorite play, Macbeth. Family and friends were the foundation of his happiness, and his relationships brought him immense joy.
Friendships were central to Essex’s life, and he maintained close ties with many lifelong friends, whose outpouring of caring and concern brought immense comfort during his final months. He deeply valued the friendships of Melanie, Ann, Peter, Jim, Keith, Milt, Bruce R. and Bruce W., Arris, the Beavers, Kevin, Rick, Lisa, Mimi, and Carolyn Sue and their family members. To anyone not named but who considered Essex a friend, please know he cherished you as well.
Essex was preceded in death by his father, Essex Scales, and his mother, Duk Soon Scales. He is survived by his sister, Linda Williams (Billy); his niece, whom he thought of as a daughter, Jivannie Nelson (Dee); his son, Alix Scales (Liz); his beloved grandchildren, Aurora and Leo Scales, and great-niece, Sakira Jones.
A memorial service to celebrate Essex’s life will be held on February 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Teague Funeral Service, 2260 Ivy Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes you’d consider a memorial donation In Essex’s honor to the American Shakespeare Center
