Jim you will truly be missed by all whose lives you touched. You have beat us to the race of returning to our eternal home with our heavenly father. We all shall walk that path one day and will join you and all our loved ones that are there, and what a joyous day that will be.
                                                               Maria Castillo

Jim you will truly be missed by all whose lives you touched. You have beat us to the race of returning to our eternal home with our heavenly father. We all shall walk that path one day and will join you and all our loved ones that are there, and what a joyous day that will be.

James Skinner beloved husband, father, brother, and friend.  On Wednesday, James went to be with our Lord with dignity as he wanted it to be. He was surrounded by the children and grandchildren that resulted from our union 40 years ago. Plagued for several years with a progressive disease my precious husband finally succumbed and handed his life over to the Lord. He could no longer do the simplest of tasks without misery or pain therefore, the Lord freed him from his prison so that he could be the man he longed to be. He flies with the angels now, and soars in the clouds, and breathes without pain. He is full of joy and his binding ropes have been cut and broken.  He is free. Praise God, Praise God. He gave his fullest to us all. He always made sure that our family's needs were met. The best provider that this world could offer. Always wheeling and dealing to make sure that we never did without. He did so up until his final hours and last struggle. He gave all to me. His love 100 percent, his protection and shelter. His children. His legacy lives on. He was my rock in hard times. He was my best friend. He was the love of my life. Making many memories that will forever remain with me and mine. He loved his brothers and sisters and he appreciated their support in his last days. Although he did not want to leave us, he was ready. Giving up his soul to our Lord. I will forever love you my love. James, wait for me, I know that God's promise is to reconcile all in his heavenly kingdom. It is but a short while, just a blink of an eye. My sweet and precious darling, I will count the days. Until then, enjoy your mother and father, my mother, and your brothers. You know longer have to wheel and deal. You have received your reward. I will love you forever.

I can go on and on about what kind of man my father was to us. Instead, I'd like to share what he wasn't. He wasn't the kind of man who could pick up and abandon his wife or children no matter how difficult times were. He wasn't the kind of man that would take anything lying down, if he was short changed as little as a dime, best believe he'd be spending more time than it was worth arguing for it's return. He wasn't the kind of man that would take no for an answer without putting up one herculean fight. He wasn't the kind of man that held back his thoughts or feelings about any sticky situation or subject matter rather, you heard what crossed his mind and felt in his heart. He wasn't the kind of man that could be fine with the notion of not knowing about or being involved with his children's day to day issues and lives.  He was our father and we loved him for all that he wasn't. He will be forever missed and loved.

What do you do to prepare yourself for this day? We all know we will one day have to face this, but you're never ready when it happens. But we have to remember that we are here to celebrate the life of Uncle Jim. We are here to remember the book of great memories that Uncle Jim left all of us. Because in the end, that's all you have left, a book of memories. Every one of our books of Jim is different, but I promise you, they are all good books; because that was the kind of person Uncle Jim was. See, he was Uncle Jim to me. And that title is a term of endearment, just like all the other titles he's earned on the wreath over there. He was 'Dad' to his kids, 'Babe' to my aunt, 'Big Jim' to his in-laws and my aunt's siblings, 'Uncle Jim' to me and the rest of my cousins, and 'Po-Po' to his grandchildren. All these titles he earned throughout the years from love and respect by those that knew him. If you used one of those titles when you spoke of him, then you know what I mean. 40 years, Uncle Jim was a part of our family. Family... A word that people throw around loosely to identify blood relations, but not with Uncle Jim. You could go by his house at any given time and you were always welcome. He was the kind of man that didn't ask why you came over but would say he was glad you did. If you were hungry, he'd feed you. If you were homeless, he'd shelter you. If you needed a dollar, he'd give it to you... even if it were his last one. One of my favorite and funny memories of Uncle Jim, and trust me there's a lot of them, was when he played Jimmy Jr. basketball at the park. Jimmy Jr. was about 12 or 13 years old and he kept telling Uncle Jim how he could beat him in basketball. This went on for about a week and Uncle Jim finally had enough of it. So, he took Jimmy Jr. to the park and put a whooping on him. I think he beat him 7-1. The outfit he was in was hilarious. He wore a white polo-type button short sleeve shirt, gray sweats, and white boat shoes. He even had on black socks to round it out. We thought it was the funniest thing in the world at the time. But then you get older, and you look back at that situation. You forget what he was wearing; you forget that he had no basketball skills; you forget that he looked foolish playing a sport he probably hadn't played in more than 20 years at that time. You remember the situation... and then you realize that he was the only dad on the court playing with his kids. That was my Uncle Jim. That was a chapter from my book.  Uncle Jim, the man who dedicated 40 years of his life to my aunt. Blessed with children and grandchildren. Are we sad that he is gone?, Yes.. and we will miss him, but he gave us all great 'books' of memories to remember him by. This is why it's a celebration; a celebration and remembrance of his life. The man we came to love as... Babe,  Dad,  Big Jim,  Uncle Jim,  Po-Po.

Essie: I was very sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. May his soul be bound up in the bond of eternal life and may his memory ever inspire us to noble and consecrated living. Amen.

Essie the love that you and James shared cannot be erased by the hurdle of death mearly strengthened with countless memories of joy.  You will always be a source of inspiration and faith in a life well lived. God Bless you and all the family. We love you,dear friend.


 Jim, you entered my life as "Step-Father". ready and willing to pick up the pieces that a "Lesser" man left behind.  You exit my life as a dear friend..
 
  We had so many challlenges and differences through the years.  I know you did the best you could.  A young man with a fractured childhood trying to grow up and make a life with the Woman you Adored!!
 
     Your heart opened up so much during your last chapter here on Earth....  You learned how to Love and receive Love in the "Purest" form, through your 3 Grandchildren..
 
     I am going to hold on to all the Good, all the Funny..  Gosh, you were so Funny and you didn't even know it!!.. All your "Politically" incorrect statements,,, I'm laughing now as I recall some!!
 
     I hope you closed your eyes to this World, and opened them up in a New one... Where you breathe effortlessly,,they always have plenty of "White Bread" and it's free to watch your "Wrestling-Matches", No Rip-Off Pay per View!!
 
Love You Hoss,,I'll miss you..
 
Nonnie..

My uncle Jim was a good man that left with me thousands of funny memories as I was growing up. He always made you feel welcome in his house and you never needed an invitation to eat at his home, just show up and there was always an extra plate for whomever came by.  He was a great husband and father to my aunt and cousins for 40 years and never had a bad thing to say about people.  That was probably the funniest man I will ever know.  He will always be family to us and will be dearly missed.

Jimmy, Karen & Bubba we were so sorry to hear of your loss.  Will keep you all in our prayers.  May God give you the strength to endure and peace in your hearts.
May Angels speed him on to his heavenly home.    
Tommy & Raymond Lastovica

OBITUARY

James Howard Skinner

19 November, 1952 – 30 November, 2011

Brookside Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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