James Keith Skiles

Born in 1943 to William and Mercie Skiles, he grew up in West Texas and graduated from Arlington TX High School. He received his BA from Texas Tech University and his Master of Public Service from Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green.

In 1966 Keith married his college sweetheart, Sally Long Skiles, and began his 23-year career in the U.S. Army as an Infantry officer. He served in the Berlin Brigade when Berlin was still a divided city, as a company commander in Vietnam and in the Panama Canal Zone during the treaty transition. Stateside assignments included Fort Benning, Fort Monroe, Ft. Leavenworth, Bowling Green KY, and San Antonio, TX.

After retiring from the Army he entered the Troops to Teachers program and began a second career as a special education teacher and subsequently an administrator with North East Independent School District in San Antonio, TX.

Keith always had a passion for the outdoors and was an avid hunter, fisherman, and gardener – all of which he did with the same gusto that be brought to everything he did. He was a volunteer with charitable ministries with his local church and his faith remained a driving force throughout his entire life.

Keith is survived by his wife Sally, son Todd (Jennifer), Manassas, VA; daughter Kelly Denning (Matthew), New Orleans, LA; grandchildren, Zachary & Mackensie Skiles, James, Thomas & Mercie Denning; brothers Clark Skiles and Wade Skiles, Arlington, TX, and special family friend Steve Fogle, San Antonio, TX.

A Christian graveside service will be celebrated at a later date at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio. Memorials may be made to Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, Army Emergency Relief, or your local Salvation Army.