James F. Skalla

May 1, 1930 - Feb. 19, 2013
NILES - James F. Skalla of Niles, Michigan, died Tuesday evening at his home of natural causes. He was born in Niles on May 1, 1930, to William C. and Martha (Woda) Skalla, and was a lifelong Niles resident. Mr. Skalla worked at Niles Precision Company for 60 years and was the president for over 30 years. He served in both the U.S. Army & the National Guard. He was a past director of the former Greater Niles Economic Development Foundation (now SMEGA). James was a member of Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Niles. He was one of the founding directors of Niles National Bank, which later became American National Bank until its acquisition by Old Kent, where he also served as a director. On April 11, 1953, in Niles, he married the former Betty D. Womack, who survives. Also surviving are his daughter, Karen (Eric) Vinnedge, and sons, Jay (Cecilia) Skalla and Thomas (Shonna) Skalla, all of Niles. He was preceded in death by his youngest son, Robert. He is also survived by ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The Mass of Christian Burial for James F. Skalla will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 23, 2013, at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, by the Rev. David Otto of the parish. Committal rites will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Niles. The family will receive relatives and friends from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. today at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles, with a Rosary Service at 7:30 p.m. by Rev. Otto. Contributions in memory of Mr. Skalla may be made to the donor's choice or to The Christian Service Center, 322 Clay Street, Niles, MI 49120.