James Edward Skeen

1932 - 2015

Skeen, James Edward 07/08/1932 ~ 04/13/2015 LA JOLLA -- James Edward Skeen, age 82, passed away peacefully in his La Jolla, CA. home on April 13, 2015, while surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born and raised on Staten Island, NY, the younger son of Dewel and Virginia Skeen; brother to William and Virginia, each having passed previously. He graduated from Curtis High School. His earliest years consisted of playing basketball daily at MacDonald's playground. In his teens, he was the youngest summer camp counselor at Bear Mountain, NY, a beach lifeguard, and player on the varsity basketball team. Jim earned his college degree in electrical engineering. He married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Lenora A. Largo, with whom he shared the last 65 years of his blessed life. Their journey took them to Stamford, CT, San Rafael, Pacific Palisades and La Jolla, CA. Jim served eight years in the Army Reserve Signal Corps. Along with his engineering background, he was a natural entrepreneur skilled in strategy, marketing and operations, working with companies such as Western Electric and Martin Marietta. Content in Stamford, he was recruited in 1966 to Sausalito, CA. by AG Schoonmaker Co. In 1969, the family moved to La Jolla to join Solar. In 1976, Jim was recruited as EVP of Superior Industries and then, became President of Cragar Wheels. In 1989, Jim returned to La Jolla as President of National Pen. He enjoyed long- tenured board service with companies such as Road Runner Sports. Always a patriot, a fond memory was serving as VP of Technology of the very successful 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, CA. For over 50 years, Jim was passionate about time at the beach, tennis, ocean kayaking, paddle tennis and golf. He cherished the sports, the competition and all they entail. But mostly, it was about the time doing so with his family and the friends he held so dearly. With Faith and family as their guideposts, Jim and Lenora raised three sons: Jim Jr (Heather), Jeff (Sheila) and Mark (Mary) who with their respective families, all reside in San Diego, CA. The family expanded to include grandchildren: Lauren (Mrs. Cory Benwell), Chantal (Mrs. Casey Chambers), Carter, Megan, Haley and Patrick to be recently joined by great- grandchildren: Logan and Kinsley Benwell. Always together, they enjoy making memories. Jim was a kind and selfless man who will be remembered at once, as an honorable, disciplined and successful executive who was deeply loved, respected and admired by his immediate and extended family, as well as a long list of wonderful life long and more recent friends. He fought the good fight against his illness but never complained. Instead, he continued to greet everyone with a warm smile while asking "how are you today?" He navigated the last year of his life with strength and dignity and will always be our hero. We are generationally blessed by his many attributes and honored to be part of his legacy. A Celebration of Life will be held at All Hallows Catholic Church in La Jolla on Friday, April 24th at 1pm with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to All Hallows Academy at: allhallowsacademy.com