June 22, 1927 - April 22, 2019
J.D. Was born June 22, 1927 in Holdenville, Oklahoma to Henry and Birdie Skaggs.
J.D. moved to California during the Dust Bowl days, landing in Lamont and living in a box car. He attended grade school at Mountain View School in Lamont, CA and started High School at Kern Union High School in Bakersfield, CA. Leaving School at the age of 16, He began his long career in the trucking and crane business. He always said he received his college education at Mountain View School. In 1960 he started working for Daigh & Stewart Trucking and Valley Crane and Rigging. J.D. was made superintendent in 1963 and remained there until starting his own crane business " Skaggs Hydraulic Crane Service" in 1968. He retired in 1989 and sold the business to his only son Jim Skaggs. J.D. was always so proud of his son and felt it was a blessing to see him carry on with the business.
J.D. was a member of Delano Wasco Masonic Lodge 309, Bakersfield Scottish Rite, Kern County Shrine Club and Al Malaikah Temple.
J.D. had five sisters and two brothers. In 1949 he married Lela Mae Newton. J.D. and Lela went on to have three children; Victoria, Deborah, and Jim. He was so proud of his children and couldn't wait to have the opportunity to brag on the kids, Grandchildren, and Yes, Great Grandchildren. He was so happy to have his Daughter Vicki help with the many medical appointments and even during the last days, he wanted to make sure the Doctors and Nurses knew his daughter Vicki was a nurse and would answer all their many questions. He always, Thought his daughter Debbie, was his personal attorney because she worked for Superior Court. little did he know that she couldn't help much, but certainly could research things for him. His son Jim, lived next door and was always there for him when needed.
J.D. leaves behind his beloved wife Lela, Daughter Vicki Tasoff, Daughter and son-in-law Debbie and Todd Black. son and daughter-in-law Jim and Loraine Skaggs. Sister Pat Summers, Brothers Hank and Johnny, Grandchildren Tracey and Brian Spears, Mary and Mike Norton, Kellie Halterman and Jason Skaggs. Great Grandchildren Colby, Elizabeth, Myka, Nathaniel, James and McKenzie. He was a great man and always stressed the importance of a hard days work to his children and grandchildren. J.D. always enjoyed the kids visiting "Papa on the Farm".
In Lieu of Flowers, Donations may be made to Shriner's Children Hospital
Shrinershospitalsforchildren.org
909 South Fair Oaks Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105
Visitation at Hillcrest Mortuary. May 2 2019 from 6pm-9pm Graveside services will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park on May 3, 2019 at 12:00 Noon.
Reception immediately following;
Kern County Shrine Club's Nobel Park
700 South P Street
Bakersfield CA 93304
