John E. Skinner

John graduated in 1956 from Elmhurst High School in Ft. Wayne, Ind. and received his Bachelor of Arts from Butler University, Indianapolis, Ind., and later, his Master's in Education at St. Francis College in Ft. Wayne, Ind.

John is survived by his wife, Kristi Skinner (Atterbury); his three daughters, Cindy Engel of Angola, Ind., Salliejean Skinner and Opal Anne Curry of Los Angeles, Calif.; his five sons, Michael of St. Jacob, Ill., Thomas and Daniel of Medford, Ore., Shane of Chico, Calif., and Jeffrey of Newburg, Ore. John was extremely proud to have nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Oren Skinner of Angola, Ind. and his sister, Salliejean Watkins of Ft. Mill, S.C.

John lived his purpose and passion, being a guidance counselor and coach, spanning over five decades, eight states and countless students who viewed him as counselor, coach, mentor, friend, and humorous character, earning him the nick name and parking space labeled "skindog" by his students. He loved kids of all ages and viewed them as the future of our world. John was a life-long avid golfer, teaching his children to enjoy the game as well as his students.

After retirement, he volunteered as a golf coach at Eagle Point High School sharing his love of the game. He will be remembered as a compassionate man with a bigger-than-life personality and will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

All are welcome to a celebration of life scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Sunday, December 20, 2015, at Eagle Point Golf Course.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the "John Skinner Memorial Student Athlete Scholarship Fund" at Umpqua Bank.