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James Skipton Obituary
James Kennedy "Jimmy" Skipton, Jr. , age 76, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away Wednesday, the 25th of May 2011 in Houston, Texas. He was born on the 5th of September 1934 in New Rochelle, New York.
Jimmy graduated from Lamar High School in Houston and later attended Texas A&M, the University of Texas and the University of Houston. He was founder and President of Texas Fire & Safety, Inc. with locations in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio. One side of the Houston office building was designated as a museum to house his extensive collection of antique fire memorabilia.
He was a life-time member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a supporter of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, a founder and president of the Texas American Saddlebred Horse Association, and owner of S & S Venture Farm, which produced over a dozen world's champion show horses. Jimmy was an avid supporter of The Brookwood Community in Brookshire, TX. He was a member of the Houston Club, The Forest Club and the Knights of Momus. Jimmy was an active member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Bellville, TX, where he served on the vestry.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents James and Bernadine Skipton. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, LaMerle York Skipton, and his children; Kim Skipton of Lexington, Kentucky, Pat and son-in-law David Jones of Houston, Sharon Skipton of St. Augustine, Florida, James K. Skipton III and daughter-in-law Laurie of Dripping Springs, Suzanne and son-in-law Robert Shelton of Houston; grandchildren David and Jordan Jones, Shelby, Sara Beth and Sydney Shelton and Jimmy IV and Andrew Skipton; sister Sandra Skipton Parham of San Antonio, brother-in-law William Dell York, Jr. of Houston and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family is grateful for the wonderful care provided by the staff of The Forum at Memorial Woods during his battle with Parkinson's Disease.
The memorial service is to be conducted at two o'clock in the afternoon on Thursday, the 2nd of June, at St. Martin's Episcopal Church 717 Sage Road in Houston, where the Rev. Martin J. Bastian, Senior Associate Rector for Pastoral Care, is to officiate.
Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the adjacent Bagby Parish Hall.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests donations be made in Jimmy's name to The Brookwood Community, 1752 FM 1489 Brookshire, TX, 77423; or to the American Saddlebred Museum, 4083 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY. 40511.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Glenn Pobanz
June 9, 2011
We were very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. For over 30 we were lucky to have a solid personal and business relationship. Jim had a caring ability with authentic Texan style for our family moving to Houston starting in the late 70's. Jim's ability with humor and hospitality was something we will never forget.
May he rest in peace.
Gwenn and Glenn Pobanz
June 3, 2011
June 3, 2011
June 3, 2011
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June 3, 2011
June 3, 2011
Lisa (Kearns)Stearns
June 2, 2011
Jimmy and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. It has been many years since I have seen you or your family but please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sharon Gray Brown
June 2, 2011
My sympathies to the Skipton family upon the loss of such a good man as Mr. Skipton. Even as a child, I thought my father was fortunate to work for such a nice man. I only met family members a couple of times, but was made to feel so welcome. I learned of his passing today and truly, I feel an era has slipped by. Please accept love, prayers and condolences from the family of Darrell Gray to yours.
Carol Stokes
June 2, 2011
To the Skipton family...
It was nothing short of an honor for all of us at the Forum at Memorial Woods Health Care Center to see to Mr. Skipton's needs in his last days. We all developed a deep and abiding affection for him and you, Mrs Skipton. We all miss him and you very much. During my time with him, I could tell that he was a wonderful man of great character and spirit. Mrs. Skipton, you and Jimmy made for yourselves a wonderful marriage that many would envy; producing wonderful children who as adults mirror what their parents embody and taught them. God bless you all. Carol Stokes RN DON, Forum.
Teresa Baker
June 2, 2011
Dear LaMerle and Skipton Family:
My sincerest prayers are with you in your loss. Jimmy was a wonderful father, husband, and friend. His devotion to his children, you, and friends will live in the memory of all who knew him. Never do I think of you and Jimmy without a smile; humor is such a part of your life and a gift to those of us who have known you.
My prayers and thoughts for each of you,
Teresa Green Baker
Margy Newton
June 2, 2011
To the Skipton Family....
How we will miss the twinkle in Big Jimmy's eye. We could always count on that quick wit to make us smile. And Marise was right, he was up for adventure and willing to share it. His best thing was being a husband and parent with LaMerle. Devoted to raising a wonderful family who he was so very proud. You were his blessing and joy.
Jimmy, you did a swell job!
Love you all,
Margy
Susan Healey
June 1, 2011
Dear LaMerle, Kim, Pat, Sharon, Jimmy and Suzanne:
I am very sorry for the passing of your husband and father. I will have many happy memories of him when I came home with Sharon (regardless of the hour- day or night!) and he always had a big smile on his face and made me smile! I hope you will all remember the happy times, that will help you through this. I wish I could be with you - Sharon, please call me if I can do anything.
Love and hugs to all,
Sue
June 1, 2011
Dearest LaMerle,
James and I are praying for you and your family. We know that you are blessed with a strong family who will help you through this grievous time.
James and Jackie Williams
June 1, 2011
Dear LaMerle,
It has been many years but I have never forgotten your names. May God protect you and the wonderful memories sustain you.
Blessings,
Sharon Rupley Williamson Ginder
Fredericksburg, Tx (formerly from Houston)
May 30, 2011
May 30, 2011
Marise Condon
May 30, 2011
LaMerle,
You and Jimmy have been such a positive influence in my life. From both of you being there when at 16 years old, my mother passed away, to all of the horse show fun road trips in the Blue Bird! Always gracious and kind! I will always remember "Mr. Skipton" as a true gentleman with a sense of humor the size of Texas! Most of all, an individual who cherished his family and was always up for an adventure. He will be missed! LaMerle, Kim, Pat, Sharon, Jimmy and Suzanne, I truly hope all of the wonderful memories will help you through this very tough time. My prayers are with each of you, Marise
May 29, 2011
Shelton family, We send our deepest sympathy at the loss of your father, father in law and grandfather. The Mumey Family
Catherine McNeese
May 29, 2011
My condolences to the Skipton family. Keep the memories and knowledge of his love for you close during these days.
Michael Clayton
May 29, 2011
LaMerle and Family:
Marsha and I are very sorry to hear of your loss. “Big Jimmy” was a major role model in our junior-high and high school years, and a true friend to our mom and dad in the Winterland-decade. We can still hear his laugh. We hope you all will keep smiling as you re-live all the good times, funny times, of “Mr. Skipton’s” life, just as we do in memory of our parents in those years—like the Astrodome destruction derbies, the fireworks in Brookshire, and my dad’s setting off the fire system at a Burger King, which made for one of your dad’s biggest laughs.
I may not have the entrepreneurial business life I have today without seeing first-hand his business and lifestyle in those formative years. I still repeat one of the funny lines I heard him say: “Park right in front like you own the place!” I know he has the first parking place up by those pearly gates.
We send hugs, our best wishes, and love--to all of you.
Michael Clayton & Lena Gottschall
Marsha & Kent Brenneman
Lois Rappaport
May 29, 2011
Lamerle, Kim and family, my sympathies - He was a kind and generous man. May many many good memories be with you all in the days to come.
May 29, 2011
Mrs. Skipton and Family- my sincere condolence for the death of your husband and father. It has been years since I have seen Jimmy nearly as long ago as our Air Force Days. I will always remember his humor and the ease of being his friend however, and have kept up with his career through a mutual friend.
Sam Raia, Sugar Land
Connie Benedict
May 28, 2011
Mrs. Skipton and Family--what a priviledge to have known Mr. Skipton though for a short time. He was truly a sweet and very kind man. I'm certain that many lives were blessed by his touch of love and care. I'm thankful to have you here in our community Mrs. Skipton and look forward to growing our friendship. I am here for you when the calm comes as you start a new season in your life. I know that after 54 years it will be a huge transition and pray that you will feel loved and comforted by your family and friends around you. Love to you and family...
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