Julius Francis Skillman

Julius Francis Skillman (aka Jule) was born March 10, 1922 in Philadelphia, PA to Francis Raymond and Hortense Gertrude (Deuser) Skillman. He was the eldest of two sons. There was a ten-year difference between Jule and his brother, Francis.

Jule attended Saint Henry’s grammar school and North Catholic High School in Philadelphia. He enjoyed playing sports and was an active Boy Scout. After high school, he worked for Exide Battery Co. for two years (1940-1942).

Growing up as a child, his grandparents owned a bakery. Jule would stop by the bakery on his way home from school to get a pastry. We believe this is where his love for sweets started. Until his death, Jule loved a piece of coffee cake with his morning coffee and ice cream in the afternoon.

Jule served in the Navy during World War II as an Electrian Mate 1st Class T USNR from September 1942 to December 1945. He was stationed aboard the USS Bellatrix and the USS Chicago. His ship the USS Chicago was one of the U.S. ships present in Tokyo Bay during the Japanese surrender signing ceremonies in 1945. He was fortunate to witness this historic event and take pictures, but as time went on he very rarely spoke about his war experiences or his time in the military.

While on leave, Jule met the love of his life Dorothy Morasco on a blind date. They corresponded by letters during the war. Jule was offered a promotion to Captain if he reenlisted, but instead he asked Dorothy to marry him and she said yes. They married on January 26,1946 in Philadelphia.

After marrying, Jule and Dorothy lived in Philadelphia for a few years before moving to San Diego. They lived with Dorothy’s mother while building their family dream home where they raised four wonderful children. Jule remained in the family home until his death at the age of 97.

Jule worked for North Island Naval Air Station as a planner and estimator before retiring at the age of 55. Jule always said he was retired longer than he worked.

Jule and Dorothy enjoyed many travels during his retirement years, especially to Europe and Mexico. They also enjoyed taking trips with family and friends.

Jule was a great sports fan. He loved his hometown teams, the Eagles and the Phillies.

The favorite time of year for Jule and Dorothy was Christmas. They always prepared a beautiful breakfast for their family and enjoyed sharing their spectacularly decorated home with others. The most important thing to Jule was being with his wife and family. Jule and Dorothy celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on January 26, 2010. However, that same year the love of his life, Dorothy passed away on October 23rd.

Jule is survived by his children: Michele May, and her husband Gary; Ronald Skillman, his wife Susan, and their son, Ryan Skillman; Janice Roy, her husband Rick, their sons Andrew Roy and Timmy Roy, and Timmy’s wife, Megan; and Valerie Alba, whose husband Steve preceded her in death.

Jule was a loving husband, wonderful father, and the best grandfather. He will be missed by all who knew him. Ending, with his favorite saying “Ok…KO”.