James-Skerritt-Obituary

James W. Skerritt

Palm Springs, California

1929 - 2011

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Palm Springs, California

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James W. SkerrittJames William Skerritt beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother died suddenly on January 24, 2011. Born on June 9, 1929, he married Lee Pagnini in Detroit, Mich. on October 7, 1950. He earned his masters degree's in English and History at Wayne State University and the...

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I had Jim for 8th grade English back at O.L. Smith Jurnior High School in Dearborn, Michigan. I am now 61 years old. Of all the teachers I had, Mr. Skerritt was my favorite. In fact, he is the reason I decided to major in English. I think he would have been happy to know that I was the first woman to receive the Michigan College Fellowship for graduate studies at th University of Michigan back in the early 1970s. I have made my living as a speechwriter and media writer working for various...

I only remember seeing Uncle Jim maybe four times. It was usually a reunion situation for the Skerritt boys, and once was for my Dad's memorial. My memory of Uncle Jim will always be of a kind, calm, loving person who was deeply devoted to his family. My Dad loved both of his brothers very much, and was equally proud of them. My prayers are with Aunt Lee, Victoria and David.

Mr. Skerritt was a wonderful and effective Fordson High School teacher. He challenged his students and demonstrated true caring for their academic progress. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

What a wonderful teacher. I was in Mr. Skerritt's class when he taught at Fordson High. I always remember a calmness about him, his unique sense of humor, and his genuine smile. My deepest sympathy and prayers to the Skerritt family.

Jim's passing will sadden the hearts of everyone who knew and worked with him in the English department at Fordson H.S. He brightened the spirits of the teachers in the English teachers' lounge every time he walked in. I cherish his friendship and my memories of his quietly wry, witty, but keen observations on the day-to-day challenges we all shared. My heartfelt sympathy to the Skerritt family.

I am deeply saddened by the news of Jim's passing. When we worked together, he was one of my closest friends. We had fun together at Fordson at Henry Ford Community College and at the many social events we shared. His casual, easy-going manner and his sense of humor are treasures I will always remember and sadly miss.
Ellie and I offer our condolences and our prayers to the Skerritt family. Joe and Ellie Kolpacke

What a great guy. I taught with Jim at Henry Ford and always loved being in his company-intelligent, laid back, witty, and gracious. The college would enter the name "Staff" in the new class schedules if the instructor had not yet been selected. A student once asked another instructor if he knew Mr. Staff. The instructor said "Certainly" and proceeded to take the student to Jim's office and introduced Jim as Mr. Staff. Jim never blinked an eye. He carried on a great conversation with the...

Please accept my deepest sympathies.