James G. Scrugham (January 19, 1880 - June 23, 1945) was a Representative, a Senator, and a Governor from the U.S. state of Nevada. Scrugham was born in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1880. He graduated from the University of Kentucky at Lexington in 1906, He was a professor of mechanical engineering, Engineering College, University of Nevada, at Reno from 1903 to 1914 and dean from 1914 to 1917. He was state public service commissioner from 1919 to 1923. He was the Governor of Nevada between 1923 and 1927. He was the editor and publisher of the Nevada State Journal from 1927 to 1932. He became a special adviser to the Secretary of the Interior on Colorado River development projects in 1927.
Later, he was elected as a Democrat to Congress and served from 1933 to 1942, when he resigned to become a Senator. He was elected to the Senate on November 3, 1942, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Key Pittman for the term ending 1947. Scrugham served from 1942, until his death in San Diego, California, on June 23, 1945.
Preceded by: Emmet D. Boyle Governor of Nevada 1923-1927 Succeeded by: Fred B. Balzar Governors of Nevada Blasdel • Bradley • Kinkead • Adams • Stevenson • Bell • Colcord • Jones • Sadler • Sparks • Dickerson • Oddie • Boyle • Scrugham • Balzar • Griswold • Kirman • Carville • Pittman • Russell • Sawyer • Laxalt • O'Callaghan • List • Bryan • Miller • Guinn
