Jim grew up in Georgia, and after graduating from Screven County High school, he joined the US Navy. Jim served for 3 years aboard the USS Wasp, in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. After the Navy, Jim returned to his home state, and attended the University of Georgia, home of his beloved Georgia Bulldogs. Jim earned his Bachelor’s , Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in Zoology and Biochemistry. During his time at the University, Jim met and married Patricia Townson Skipper.
Jim was a devoted family man, married to the love of his life, wife Patricia for over 47 years. Together they had a son, Jeff; and twin daughters, Laura and Lynn; as well as, six grandchildren who were the delight of his life. He was a dedicated research scientist at The University of Texas; his work focused on the endocrine system and cancer research. He touched the lives of countless aspiring medical and nursing students, teaching courses in molecular and cell biology. In retirement, he indulged his life long passions of art and travel, on trips throughout the United States, Canada, Italy, and France. He brought home memories from those trips and committed them to oil and canvas; his works are treasured by his family. This past summer, Jim enjoyed a weeklong trip to the Rocky Mountains with his wife, children, and grandchildren, who will cherish those memories forever.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Ina Mae and David Eugene Skipper, and his brother, Charles Walker.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia; son, Jeffrey; daughter, Laura Ritchie and husband Keith; daughter, Lynn Sims and husband Craig; and grandchildren, Paige and Justin Skipper, Sarah and Georgia Ritchie, and Rachel and Emily Sims. He is also survived by his brother, Gordon Walker and wife Shirley; and his brother, Neil Skipper and wife Ginny.
A memorial service remembering Jim will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 5, 2011, at Cook-Walden/Chapel of the Hills Funeral Home on Anderson Mill Road.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association or to the American Kidney Fund.
To share memories of Jim, please visit www.cookwaldenchapelofthehills.com.
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