Jim Skelly

1934 - 2024

Jim Skelly
10/28/1934 - 07/30/2024
James George Skelly, 89, passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Houston, Texas. Jim was born October 28, 1934, in Saint Louis, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Howard Skelly and Helen Bishop Skelly. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Caroline Giesler Skelly; his son, Jay Skelly, and wife, Becca Brown Skelly, of Houston; his daughter, Sue Skelly Evanoff, and husband, Stefan of Carbondale, Colo.; grandchildren, James Skelly, III, of Houston and Anna Skelly McMahon, and husband, Joe, of Houston.

Jim grew up in Webster Groves, Mo., but like many other military families he lived many places, including Fort Leavenworth, Kan., Fort Sill, Okla., and graduated from the American High School in Heidelberg, Germany, in 1952. Jim enjoyed sports, and earned varsity letters in football, basketball, baseball, and track. As a Boy Scout, Jim also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

Jim graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in accounting. While there, he served in the Army ROTC, and was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, where he formed lifelong friendships. Following college, his active duty military service began with the 82nd Airborne, where he proudly received his jump wings at Fort Brag, N.C. Jim followed his father's path and transitioned to the Artillery Division, with postings in Thule, Greenland and Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. In 1965, after completing his active-duty commitment, Jim worked for IBM in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. In 1969, he moved to Houston to work for McDonald Automation. Jim switched focus and entered the investment world with Rotan-Mosle, where he formed valued relationships which led to a Tuesday night doubles tennis match followed by dinner and libations at Otto's Barbecue, which lasted for over 25 years. Jim continued his military service with the Army Reserve's 75th Maneuver Area Command, from which he retired as a Colonel, in 1987, with over 20 years of service.

Jim cherished his family, and was thrilled to coach baseball, football, softball, and soccer teams for his children and, later, as beloved Coach Papa, for his grandchildren. Jim's involvement in his community also included active membership in the Spring Branch-Memorial Rotary Club and serving as a Republican Precinct Chairman. He supported local political campaigns from school board elections to John Culberson's congressional race. Jim appreciated making connections and staying physically active. He often walked and biked around the neighborhood, and enjoyed snow skiing into his eighties.

The family would like to express our deepest appreciation for the gracious caregivers at Buckner Parkway Place, as well as Genus Patris Hospice, who took care of Jim late in his life.

A Memorial Service celebrating Jim's life will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 10 a.m., at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Dr., Houston, Texas 77079, with a reception to follow in Friendship Court.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Jim's favorite charities:

MSB Rotary Charities, Inc.
PO Box 79172
Houston, TX 77279