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James Gary Skidmore

James Skidmore Obituary

Jim Skidmore 8/28/46 ~ 4/12/06 While laughing through excruciating pain, Jim kept his nurses groaning, begging them to "send in the clowns because the whips and chains weren't working." But lung cancer got the better of James Gary Skidmore on April 12th as, ironically, his Passover began at sundown. Born on August 28, 1946 in Martinez, CA, he was raised in Concord and took a degree from Mt. Diablo College. As editor of the local newspaper, his service in the US Army, from 1966 to 1968, was all spent on the Fort Lewis Washington base, after he angered his superiors by writing and publishing anti-Vietnam War articles. A mail carrier for 33 years, he never got the opportunity to go postal, much to his chagrin, but he did manage to raise four boys by his first wife, Janette Botelho. They divorced in 1992. He married Marjorie Smith Rolly on July 13, 1996 and they were later sealed in the LDS Temple, or as Jim liked to put it, with a twinkle in his eye, "solomized". Drawing on his own history of overcoming battles with addiction, he was a certified substance abuse counselor serving as a missionary with LDS Family Services Addiction Recovery Program. Survived by wife; sons, Taj, Trevor (Carol), Cory (Kristin), Troy (Nichol), and Noel Cormack (Martha); four stepchildren; 16 grandchildren; sister, Meretta Barnes (Scott); and brothers, Bruce (Gwen), and Cornell (Liz). Also survived by extensive collections of DVDs, CDs, comic books, video games, and Goofy memorabilia. A viewing will be held on Easter Sunday, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Butler 7th Ward, 1435 East 7200 South. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, April 17, 2006 at Noon (with viewing from 11:00 to 11:45) at the Ward. Cannon Mortuary funeral directors. A colorful character deserves a colorful obituary. We bid him farewell with the same irreverent humor he gave us day in and day out. "God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference." In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to your favorite charity.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Apr. 15 to Apr. 16, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for James Skidmore

20 Entries

Trevor Skidmore

May 9, 2020

Thinking of you during these trying tymes. Yiu are very missed and loved.

Taj Skidmore

April 24, 2006

Dad, The hole in my heart is greater than anything i have ever experienced. I miss you so much. you were a great human and I am proud to be called your son. Number one. You sure as hell left some big shoes to fill. One day I will have to try them on. With all my love, Taj

Joanne Brooks

April 24, 2006

Jim - I will always remember you back in Glen Gove. You were one of a kind and a great friend. You will be missed very much.

Pennie Vanderburg

April 22, 2006

Margie, My deepest sympathy in the loss of Jim. You don't know me, I'm the sister of Janette, she said you were a God send to him, that I'm thankful for. The Jim I remember from back in the 60's was a great guy, funny, and a wonderful friend. I didn't get to see him these last 20 yrs or so but, he'll always be in my heart. Pennie

Boys- Taj,Trevor,Cory,Troy It brought tears to my eyes to hear about your dad, he was a funny, sweet, and nutty man. All of you are in my thoughts and payers. Love Aunt Pennie

Janette Pulsford

April 22, 2006

My deepest sympathy to Margie...... Good Bye Sweet Thing..I know you are now at peace. And I promise to take care of the boys untill we meet again. We will all miss you..With all my love.

Karen Seely

April 21, 2006

Jim was the best mail carrier in the world! He always went the extra mile to get packages to the door--and then, of course, just visit about the most interesting things. Jim and I spent much time talking about old time radio shows, New York City, and my love of the New York Yankees. His happiness, kindness, and cheerfulness was appreciated (and now greatly missed) by the postal customers of 84121-4831--along Parkridge Drive and Moore Crest Court. I'm sure the people in Heaven are greatly enjoying his wonderful adventures and conversation. Our condolences for the loss--though temporary--of a fine man.

daun ericksen

April 20, 2006

I have been on vacation.Just found out about Jims passing.So sorry about your loss he will be doing some great work on the other side.God bless you and comfort you at this time.love Daun C.W.H. food service

Jim and Kathie Hawkins

April 19, 2006

Marjorie,

Jim and I are profoundly saddened by the loss of your sweet Jim. He showed us strength and courage in his last days, knowing what his outcome would be. We enjoyed coming to visit with you at your condo and at The Residence. The Friday night prior to his passing we were visiting at The Residence and he was teasing the nurses and joking like normal. The Jazz were playing and he had his comments about the team.

Jim and Jim had many conversations over the years about their jobs at USPS and FedEx, the similiarities and such, the fact that they were both "ol timers" and were proud of their longevities. Even though they were competition, that didn't matter to Jim.

We are blessed to have known him and to have called him FRIEND. We hope you find Peace with the knowledge that you will see him again. We love you Marjorie!!!

Kathie and Jim Hawkins

John and Maria Bates

April 18, 2006

We're sorry we didn't make it over to that restaurant you wanted us to try.

James says he'll miss arguing over who gets to keep the name.

Lu Holt

April 17, 2006

Marjorie,

My dear friend. I have missed you so much. The last time we saw you and Jim was last August at the Missionary/Facillitator Seminar. Then we lost touch of the program.

I was so sad to hear of the passing of Jim. I enjoyed you both so much as missionaries and friends. Jim had such a good sense of humor and you were always laughing. I learned a lot from you both. I'm sure you will miss him. He was much too young to leave. May you always be blessed and watched over in the days to come. I hope you know that somewhere in some corner of the world, someone is thinking about you with good thoughts and prayers always. I appreciate all the service you and Jim were to me.

You are both awesome. I'm sorry for your loss.

With Much Love and Appreciation,

Lu Holt

Trevor Skidmore

April 17, 2006

Dad I will miss you very much. You were fun and very loving to me & my family. I will miss calling you & just shooting the breeze. I know Carol, Malora, Hailey, & Brit will miss you much. I love You very much & will miss you very much.... Love You Always Your Son Trevor Beau Skidmore

Christy Castleberry

April 17, 2006

Marjorie,

Our sincerest condolences for you and your family's loss. Although our encounters with Jim were few, they were very fun and entertaining. You are an amazing woman and I have enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of yours, Amy, Chad and Audrey's life. Thanks for your great spirit you always share and the kindness you show to me and Kai.

Love, Christy and Kai Castleberry

Kathy and Brad Alldredge

April 17, 2006

Aunt Marjorie and Family,

We enjoyed getting to know Jim and send our love at this time.

Laurie Geving

April 16, 2006

Jim - I apologize I've waited this long to tell you what an amazing person you were! I couldn't even begin to count the times you made me laugh. You were easily one of the most sincere, painfully and humorously honest human beings I've ever come in contact with. I appreciate all the times we talked and the endless encouragement you offered; your sincere interest in the things I would talk about. There will never be anyone like you! You've touched enough lives down here; on to bigger and greater things where you are now! Until next time..

SMITTY TANNER

April 15, 2006

My Dear Cousin Marjorie,

I was truly touched by the extent of our cousin telephone tree as I was informed on Friday of your loss while visiting other family members in Pennsylvania. Dely and Smitty both send their love and support at this time along with their happy memories of cousin parties and good times shared. May the Lord comfort you and bring you and your family the richest of blessings.

Our Love to You,

Smitty and Dely Tanner

Carol Morris

April 15, 2006

Jim amazed me with his upbeat attitude, day in and day out. Whenever I happened to be out near the mail box at the time he was delivering the mail, it made my day. He was so complimentary and fun. I feel that his contribution in that one area to many people was immense. Jim's influence made me want to be more positive also. We have lost a good man and dear friend, but one who made a mark that will last through time.

The Riffles

April 15, 2006

We have so many funny Jim memories, I'm sure we will be telling them for years to come. It was really touching to see how much Jim and Marj are loved. Each time we would stop by the condo or hospital-- it was packed with well wishers, from all ages. What a comfort to know the difference you both make in the world. Thanks for all your service and example. We are with you in spirit! Lovies, the Riffles

Wally Shutt

April 15, 2006

Jim, We had some good times in High School. You're the only person I've ever seen shoot a duck out of the air with a 22! See you on the other side. Wally & Sandy Shutt

Linda Atwood

April 15, 2006

Marjorie, Meretta, Bruce, and Cornell;

We were so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. The last time I talked to him, I could tell he was suffering, in between his cheerful, happy self. I'm so glad we were able to visit with him last fall. Marge our thoughts and prayers are with you. You have been a wonderful part of Jim. We wish we could be to the funeral Mon. Our thoughts will be with you all. Love, Linda and Marv Atwood

Chad, Amy, Audrey Hemingway

April 15, 2006

Jim,

We love you and will miss you!

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