John David SKILKEN

News Death Notice

SKILKEN, John David John David Skilken used to say his birthday was "June in the Second." The year was 1945. John died yesterday May 12th 2015. Johnnie had lots of stories but luckily that's not all he left us with. He has four children whom he loved- Laurie Skilken Londono, Jessica Skilken Ford, Amanda Skilken and Joshua Skilken. John has six grandchildren who were a priority over everything in his life - Isabella Londono, Christian Ford, Aidan Ford, Gabriel Ford, Faith Skilken Pack, and Elaina Skilken. John is survived by his former wife Victoria. John taught us all about courage. Unfortunately, he contracted aplastic anemia and fought that dreaded illness for three years, without ever complaining. Johnnie was in many ways bigger than life and couldn't be described in a couple of paragraphs. He was charming and fun, had a great sense of humor, and lots of stories that we will tell for years to come. His charm and great sense of humor enabled him to be one of the greatest salesmen in Ohio. He was a principal promoter of closed-circuit heavy weight fights. He helped save the Victoria Theater by utilized the theater to promote rock concerts, at a time they were talking about tearing it down. He was a friend to Muhammed Ali and the fifth Beetle, a guy named Billy Preston. In the 70s John was well known by all of the rock musicians of the time. Johnnie had an abiding interest in health and nutrition and that led him to establish a wonderfully successful health food store and restaurant in downtown Dayton called Johnnie's Juice Bar. It was fabulous - an organic peanut butter sandwich with raisins, bananas and honey. There has been nothing like Johnnie's Juice Bar since it closed. Johnnie, life won't be as much fun without you. A graveside service at Calvary Cemetery will be held on Friday May 15th at 2:00.