I was so sad to learn of Skip’s passing.  He was a wonderful friend to my Father, Gardner, for so many years.  We spent a lot of good times together on the range at Frenchmen’s Creek GC in Jupiter, Florida.  I know my Dad met him at the Gate with a smile and they are playing golf together and telling tales.  God bless him.  He is missed.  

I never worked directly with Skip but crossed paths with him in the halls of Building 4203 many times.  We would always chat about rockets and what was happening (or not happening) in the rocket world, and trading stories and “who’s what where.”  Skip would always ask about how my brother was doing – my brother who was a caddie on the pro and senior golf tours for more than 40 years that somehow he knew about.  It was always a delight to bump into Skip where he would slow down my hectic day and make me smile.  My condolences to the family, and all the rocketeers out there who will miss him too.  

Melanie and I have know each other since we were in elementary school.  I was a bridesmaid at her wedding a week before mine.  I remember spending a lot of time at her house growing up and Mr. Urquhart was always very kind.  My family and are are will keep all of you in our prayers.

So sorry for your loss. I'm sure your family is very proud of your accomplishments. Your daughter Melanie and her husband Toby are my neighbors and out of respect  for your family I extend my sincere sympathy for your loss. 

Catherine, I was able to work with Skip at MSFC from 2008 until we moved to Texas in 2015.  I had just graduated college in 2008 and was fresh to working and Skip took me on, so to speak because he didn't have to, and helped me learn, grow, and solve many hard problems.  I greatly enjoyed working with Skip not only as a highly knowledgeable and talented engineer but also as a person.  Skip and I had plenty of things to talk about outside of work (my grandfather went to Duke, I'm from Spartanburg, SC, and I did my undergrad at Auburn) and the most memorable part of our talks revolved around these items, not the technical discussions (which I still greatly enjoyed too though!).  Skip is missed here in Texas and I will be thinking about you and all your family.  Best,  Jeremy Corpening

Skip was always my go-to guy for pulling together the pieces and parts the hard technical propulsion questions.  He had a great way of knowing who to talk to - always asking the good questions.... are we considering the right stuff?  Are we approaching the right way?  Did we include the lessons learned from when this came up in previous experiences (which he always seemed to know)?  He was a positive influence and NASA Programs benefitted from his unique engagement.
I knew Skip later in his career - he was a great mentor and friend to me and those in our group.  He had an amazing memory and seemed to know EVERYONE and could easily relate to them and the work they were doing.  He was so important to have a team member - but more so, as a friend.
I loved the smile on his face that seemed to start in his eyes and encompass his whole body.   I will always carry the memory of him walking into my office and brightening my days with his smile and a story or two :).

Skip was a big part of getting SLS started and helped to guide the team's work as the rocket took shape.  His expertise and friendly demeanor were invaluable to us all and helped get us to Artemis 1.  
Paul Lemon

I met Skip back in 2011 when I was fresh out of college working for Boeing on what would become the Space Launch System. It didn't take long for Skip and me to cross paths and I was just amazed at the wealth of knowledge and experience he had. I often would just ask him questions about his past experiences just to hear some stories (and laugh at some of them). We shared many similar interests from cars, golf and picking on John Sebghati. I was pleased to have him play with me several times on our SLS golf tournaments and we always had a good time hanging out. Later on, I not only knew him as Skip the engineer but Skip my dear friend. I will miss our phone calls, your insults and your praise on my golf swing, and talking to you about your past and present. To the family, I am so sorry for your loss and I will pray for you guys as you mourn and grieve Skip.  I know that I will certainly miss him as well. 

I'm so sorry to hear about Skip.  He was a unique and kind person who taught me a lot at MSFC.  I miss our conversations, and I miss him.  Praying for all of you.


Skip was a friend and a mentor to so many at MSFC.  He made me a better engineer and was a great friend.  Thanks for sharing him with me and many others.



“Skipper” was a dear friend to my brother, Dr. Jim Pasch and myself. I first met Skip in West Palm Beach when we went to a baseball game. I learned this was his great passion. Skip and I enjoyed conversations about the world stage,  life in the military, and of course, his great passion rocket engines. I remember he told me just about any engine failure can be attributed to a leak. Skip, I know you are soaring well and I miss you.

 Captain John Pasch, US Coast Guard, Ret 

Skip was a kind man. He was generous with his engineering knowledge.  Talking through an issue with Skip was an education. Please accept my condolences. He will be missed. 

OBITUARY

James "Skip" Burwell Urquhart III

March 18, 1944 – December 3, 2022

Moss Service Funeral Home

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