Though it was called a "celebration of life," the aura of grief and loss was palpable as nearly 400 mourners filled Immanuel Baptist Church in Antioch for the funeral of Joseph Russell "JR" Scott. The 16-year-old motocross racer succumbed to injuries after a car struck him at the intersection of James Donlon and Gentrytown in Antioch on Nov. 23.

Brentwood resident Shirley Corbett, 72, confessed to being the driver and turned herself in five days after the hit-and-run incident.

In their eulogies, family and friends paid tribute to JR's adventurous spirit and contagious humor. Photo collages and video clips bore graphic testimony to JR's charismatic personality.

Family friend Phillip Vonberg expressed empathy for JR's father, Russell. "The taking of JR is not fair," said Vonberg, who himself has a 16-year-old son. "Very few people here know what Russell feels. I thank the fathers who have come to sympathize with Russ in the hospital and here. Russ has been JR's best friend, cook, coach, taxi driver, bank teller for 16 years. I congratulate Russ for raising JR as the person he was."

Family members uttered similar words of affection for JR. "JR was adored by his family," said his aunt Jozzette "Teetee" Sargent. "He was always a good sport."

Brandee Clark, also an aunt of JR, lamented the loss of the young man. "On behalf of Russ, we want to say that JR was Russ' little buddy," said Clark. "We were not prepared for this. In a flash, he was gone. His blue eyes will never open again. (As his organs will be donated) someone out there will breathe, run or jump. JR will live in others. I hope that this loss will make all of us slow down and savor the precious moments we have."

JR's friends Phillip Vonberg, Eric More and Mitchell Laurence will always remember him as the funny, crazy and the best motocross biker they'd seen.

According to Immanuel Church Pastor Dan Buchert, "We all came to grieve. Why did this happen? Why so young? There is a time for everything - a time to weep, a time to laugh, a time to mourn, a time to dance, a time to be born, and a time to die.

"I am overwhelmed by the support Russ has received from the community. Please continue to support and encourage Russ for many months and years to come," said Buchert.

A memorial fund has been set up at Bank of America under the name of JR Scott. There is also a Web site, www.jrscottmemorial.com, at which the community can post messages of support to the bereaved family.