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James Skinner Obituary
Des Moines -
James Randall Skinner, Jr., born on October 17th, 1977, passed away from heart disease on Thursday, February 14th, 2019 at age 41. He was a big but gentle man, incredibly smart and also caring, both for family, friends, and strangers. He graduated from Roosevelt High School and then the University of Virginia with a degree in Philosophy.
He enjoyed reading, comedy, and pondering life's many quirky roads. Once you got to know him, he would lead you down conversational twists and turns that could both confuse and enlighten you. As a philosopher, that was his calling and he did it well.
He knew every sports statistic and loved the Cubs. He followed many music genres and had a beautiful voice. He sang in various choirs from high school into adulthood. In Des Moines, he found a home at Allied Insurance, and then Nationwide where he greatly enjoyed his co-workers and career.
He will be sorely missed and remembered by his mother, Wendy, and his brothers: Matthew, Michael (Stephanie), and John. He loved his niece, Naomi Leigh Skinner. He was close to his extended family, who will truly miss him. He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. James R. Skinner.
Visitation will be held at Dunn's Funeral Home, at 2121 Grand Ave., Des Moines, Iowa on Wednesday, February 20, 2019, from 5-7 pm. with funeral services at Plymouth Congregational Church, at 4126 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, Iowa on Thursday February 21, 2018 at 1:00 pm There will be a reception following the service at Plymouth Church. Burial will follow the reception at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Skinner
Sponsored by Iles Dunn’s Funeral Home.
Courtney Wilson
February 21, 2019
I'm so sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing - as a classmate all through elementary, middle, and high school, as well as going to church together, many of my childhood memories include Jimmy. Praying for peace and comfort for you all during this time.
John McCarroll
February 20, 2019
Wendy and family,
I was surprised and saddened to hear that Jimmy was gone. Please know that I join you, your family members and friends in mourning his passing. I had the pleasure of coaching Jimmy in little league baseball for three years. He was a quiet young man, but he loved the game and showed his excitement in his own way. My prayers are with you.
Matt Halls
February 19, 2019
So very sorry to hear about the loss of James. I sat next to him for a while at Nationwide and he was a good mentor and a great fellow cubs fan. Thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Christina Schenna
February 18, 2019
My heart sank when a co worker of mine told me today that one of our customers past away..it saddens me more to know it was James..When I first had the chance to meet him ..he made me smile....His blue eyes were kind and he was quiet but I had to tell him ..How much he reminded me of my dad who passed away years ago .. with his awesome whistling..like a song bird ..After that he came by and would whistle and last week he walked by behind me and I said Hi!! He nodded his head and walked away whistling..So it was my pleasure each time he walked by or came thru my cash register line..He was well mannered and a gental man..I'm so sorry for his families loss to such a nice person..God Bless your soul James ..We will miss you!!
Jean Arnold
February 18, 2019
To the Skinner family, I was Miss Arnold. To Mercy Hospital, I was Jean Arnold, R.N., Operating Room Dept. That is how I met Dr. James Skinner and soon became the boys caregiver for a period of ten years. Even though I have lived in South Florida for over 25 years, the memories of being part of the Skinner family is very vivid in my heart. I am so very sorry I will not be there, but my spirit and love is there now.
Always and forever. Miss Arnold
Mike Walag
February 18, 2019
Jimmy was my choir student at Roosevelt High School. He loved to sing and was a model student. I still remember his performance of "Amarilli, mia bella" at State Solo contest. He was a pleasure to have in class.
My condolences to the family.
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