Jack C. Skaggs

Jack C. Skaggs (M/Sgt. USAF Retired)

BOSSIER CITY, LA - Services will be conducted at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery in Haughton, LA for MSgt (Ret.) Jack C. Skaggs of Bossier City, LA on Friday, 15 January 2010 at 10 a.m. with Pastor David Edwards of New Wine Life Church officiating. Visitation at Hill Crest will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, 14 January 2010. Mr. Skaggs entered into rest peacefully on 12 January 2010 at his home. Mr. Skaggs was born in Goodwill, LA on 16 November 1920 to the late Walter O. and Katie Mae Hayes Skaggs.

Being one who grew up in what may be considered the worst economic times in America, The Great Depression, he often commented that his family looked like the Beverly Hillbillies as they traveled from one oil boom town to the next. In the mid 1930's his family settled in Rodessa, LA where he was a member of the first graduating class and was the quarterback and safety for the Rodessa Red Bulls, the mascot he named. In 1940 he joined the US. Army. In 1942 he married his beautiful bride, Helen, and in 1943 he shipped out to the North African Campaign as a tank commander under the command of Lt. Gen. George S. Patton, Jr. In early 1944, he landed in Italy under Lt.Gen. Mark Clark's command. As part of the 760th Tank Battalion, Sergeant Skaggs led his tank "Blue Devil" through countless battles. He spent three months at the Battle of Monte Cassino and was the 7th tank to roll into Rome on 4 June 1944. From there he and his tank crew battled their way across endless mountains and valleys earning the Bronze Star with Valor and a Purple Heart along the way. On 10 April 1945, near Bologna, Italy he finally accumulated enough points to come home and celebrating V-E Day in New York City. In 1946 he attended LSU and in 1947 he joined the US. Army/Air Corps and was a veteran of the Korean War. He retired from the US. Air Force in 1962 and went to work at the Louisiana Ordnance Plant near Minden, LA. He retired from Civil Service in 1975. As the eldest sibling, he always reminded his brothers and sisters he was the oldest and best looking. He was a great husband, father and grandfather. He flew his American Flag at his home 24/7. He loved his family, his country, the military, LSU, the New Orleans Saints, McDonald's coffee, Louisiana Downs and FOX News.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Helen Brigante Skaggs of Bossier City, daughter Cathy Blevins of Topeka, KS, son Jack M. Skaggs and wife Annette of Bossier City, two sisters Mary Kathleen Thielmier of Bossier City, Donnie Bretherton and husband Bill of Benton, LA; three brothers Dee Skaggs and wife Mary Virginia of Rodessa, LA, James A. "Red" Skaggs and wife Joyce of Navarre Beach, FL, and Ronald G. Skaggs and wife Fran of Anacoco, LA; eight grandchildren Billy, Debbie, Randy, Sandy, Bobby and Donnie of Topeka, KS and Jack "Bump" and Jill of Bossier City and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death were his brothers W.O. "Jute" Skaggs and Billy Ray Skaggs.

Pallbearers will be Red Skaggs, Ronnie Skaggs, Bill Bretherton, Bump Skaggs, Mike Thielmier, Judd Maranto and The Barksdale Honor Guard. The family would like to thank Dr. Kirk Saucier and Staff and Dr. Paul Cole and Staff for their wonderful assistance and a very special thanks to the awesome staff at the Heritage Manor of Bossier for taking care of him on his daily visits to see the love of his life.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.hillcrestmemorialfh.com. Hill Crest Memorial

Funeral Home 318-949-9415