John D. Currie, Jr. circa 1971
The Estate of John D. Currie, Jr. has distributed over $1 million to The Presbyterian Homes Foundation, Inc. (dba Brightspire Foundation) for the benefit of Scotia Village. This generous addition to Scotia's Caring and Sharing Endowment will provide additional resources for resident financial assistance and will help to provide support for residents who have outlived their personal financial resources. The legacy Mr. Currie leaves behind exemplifies the passion expressed during his lifetime, to provide opportunities for others.
Born on August 5, 1936 in Fayetteville, N.C., John D. Currie, Jr., was the son of the late John Duncan Currie and Mary Pate Currie. He was a graduate of Woodberry Forest School in Virginia, Princeton University and Columbia Graduate School of Business. In his early career John was with The First National City Bank of New York and The First National Bank of Atlanta. He later sold residential real estate in Moore County and was Director of Z.V. Pate, Inc. of Laurel Hill N.C., and various other related family owned businesses. Mr. Currie was a member of Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church in Southern Pines, N.C.
Mr. Currie spent much of his adult life volunteering for organizations that offered education or other ways of creating quality of life. He made Scotia Village his home in his final years and contributed to the community tremendously with his time, expertise and philanthropy. Mr. Currie served on the Scotia Village Board of Trustees for nine years and for part of that time as the Treasurer. His service also included 10 years as the Secretary of the Board of Trustees and President of the Board of Visitors at St. Andrews University. He was a long-term member of The Princeton Schools Committee, Board Member of Cape Fear Museum Historical Complex in Fayetteville, N.C. and Vice-Chairman of Bethesda, Inc., a group home that assists those recovering from substance abuse, in Aberdeen, N.C.
David Burns, who currently serves on numerous boards and committees for Scotia Village and The Presbyterian Homes and its Foundation, was a dear friend and colleague of John Currie. David stated, "I worked closely with John for many years. He never wavered in his passion to help others. John was an extremely intelligent, generous and caring person."
Mr. Currie had a creative side and enjoyed painting with watercolors. He won several awards and honorable mentions in watercolor and art exhibits in Moore County. He was able to continue his love of painting after his move to Scotia Village where many of his pieces were displayed in the halls. He also enjoyed gardening and reading.
"John Currie was quiet yet extremely intelligent. Our conversations were a treat as he would continually challenge my perspective. Mr. Currie believed in the mission of Scotia Village. His legacy gift generously supports the advancement of our mission and confirms that it is worthy of perpetuation. We will strive to honor Mr. Currie's belief in our important work," said Allen Johnson, Executive Director of Scotia Village.
Have you thought about investing in the future of Scotia Village?
Current and future gifts to The Presbyterian Homes Foundation, Inc. (dba Brightspire Foundation) can be earmarked to support Scotia Village in a way that reflects your philanthropic goals and priorities. Please contact Marisa Ray at (336) 886-6553, Ext. 5118 or mray@brightspire.org. Those who have made provisions to include the Foundation and Scotia Village in their estate plans qualify for membership to Scotia's Hix Society.