His parents had two sons, James Ralph and John Grover, Jr. Scales began his career in education after graduating with his undergraduate and master's degrees from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1939 and 1941.
Scales then served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945 during World War II, earning medals of honor and distinction for his service.
During his time at Wake Forest, Scales oversaw an increased undergraduate enrollment and an expanded academic curriculum.
He also was involved in lessening the university's ties to the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.
[4] Betty Ann helped lead various college, social, and Baptist organizations while raising two daughters, Ann Catherine, a notable lawyer who coined the term "feminist jurisprudence," and Laura Elizabeth Scales, who died at age 20 in 1969.