James W. Skeen

Jim was a Korean War veteran, who served in both the Navy and the Air Force. After his service to his country, he worked for 26 years at PPG in Crestline after which he finally retired to enjoy time with family and his hobbies.

He was an avid gardener and outdoorsman and shared those joys with his wife, Carol. Jim’s passion for the outdoors led him to meet Carol as part of his interest in bicycling. Together in 1976, along with two friends, they began a small bicycling club which was initially named Richland County Wheelmen. The organization, which has grown over the past nearly 50 years, is now known as Mid Ohio Bikers (MOB) and regularly features the regional annual Fall-N-Leaf ride. Jim and Carol spent many hours together on their tandem, always welcoming questions about their “bicycle built for two”.

Jim was a self-proclaimed tinkerer and during his bike club involvement he helped repair bicycles for the Toy Time program. As part of his gardening, Jim was the proud owner and operator of an antique Ford tractor. Jim and Carol also became members of the Buckeye Iron Will club, an organization of antique tractor and equipment enthusiasts.

Jim was a drummer for many years, participating in several bands and musical groups. He enjoyed a variety of music, especially a good foot tapping polka. Together with Carol, he loved a good game of bingo or cards with friends and family.

In addition to simply being an outdoorsman, Jim was an environmentalist and conservationist by nature and action, even if he never would have called himself such. He had a strong belief in doing what was right and was a supporter of Native American and American Indian rights, along with also supporting military veterans’ groups.

Jim is survived by his wife of 46 years, Carol Skeen (Snodgrass); his children, Sharon and Miriam; and five grandchildren Maxwell, William, Gianna, Noah, and Andre. He also leaves behind close family friend and daughter of his heart, Elizabeth Brandt. Elizabeth’s assistance and support during Jim’s final months brought great comfort to both him and the family.

A graveside service is planned for Friday, April 22, 2022 at 2:30 p.m. at Oak Grove Memorial Park in Lexington. The Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to serve the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Veterans Affairs or the First Nations Development Institute.

If you are interested in learning more about Mid Ohio Bikers or the Buckeye Iron Will Club, you can visit:

https://midohiobikers.org/

https://buckeyeironwillclub.org/