James Allen Skinner

James Allen Skinner was born January 9, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois to Eugene Maurice Skinner and Helen Harlan Skinner and passed away at home on Sunday, August 31, 2025.

At the age of 19, he joined the United States Army in February 1947 and served for a short period of time. He got out of the Army and served in the reserves until he joined the Unites States Air Force in 1948. In 1950, this young Corporal arrived at Eglin Air Force Base, Valparaiso, FL to process in for his official assignment at Field Three (now known as Duke Field). He served in the DRONE unit while stationed at Field Three.

In his travels back & forth from Field Three, Eglin AFB, & Crestview, he made many friends. On October 20, 1952, he married one of those friends (Nellie Gilbert) and remained married to her for 72 years until death parted them.

During his time in the military, he had several assignments: Korea 1953-1954; Shaw AFB, SC 1954-1957; Fairchild AFB, Spokane WA 1957-1961 (during this time he went to Chanute AFB, Rantoul, IL and trained as an Aircraft Engine Maintenance Mechanic); Glasgow AFB, Marie Montana 1961-1963; Spain & North Africa 1963-1964; George AFB, Victorville CA 1965-1969; Kadena Air Base, Okinawa Japan 1969-1970; After serving a total of 30 years (active duty & reserves), TSGT Skinner retired from the USAF in July 1970.

After returning from Okinawa, to reunite with his family, he was ready to begin a new career in the civilian world. He wanted to continue using his skills as an Aircraft mechanic, so he applied for positions at Eglin AFB, FL. He was one of the top scorers on the tests that was administered by the Civilian Personnel Staff, however he wasn't selected for a position. Discrimination was still strongly practiced in the 1970s and applications of African Americans were not given any consideration. Mr. Skinner was one of the original plaintiffs in a discrimination class action lawsuit filed against Eglin AFB. He eventually went to work for Fairchild Hiller (now known as Crestview Aerospace). Due to health issues he had to stop working in 1976. That didn't stop him from helping the kids in the neighborhood by fixing their bicycles, working on cars, and other things to keep him busy.

In the community of Crestview, he became the first African American to serve as Adjutant for DAV Chapter 57, the first African American Commander for the VFW Post 5450 (this was the first start-up unit of mixed membership in Okaloosa County), and he was the first African American member and Sr. Vice Commander for the American Legion Post 75. Mr. Skinner served proudly for 30 years on the Crestview Planning and Zoning Committee.

Last, but not least, Mr. Skinner was a very active member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Crestview, FL. He sang with the Male Chorus (one of the original members), served on the usher board, and was the "unofficial" maintenance person for the church because he could fix most anything (all you had to do was call and he would come).

Mr. Skinner proudly served his country, his family, his church, and his community. And if you wanted a history lesson, all you had to do was take some time to sit and listen. He would share a wealth of history with you.

James is preceded in death by his parents: Eugene Skinner and Helen Harlan Skinner; sister: Delores Skinner Stanley, and several other relatives.

James is survived by his wife: Nellie Gilbert Skinner; Children: Valerie McLaughlin and Bernard Skinner; God-daughter: Katrinia Stakley Hamilton (William); four grandchildren: Javaris Skinner, Chaunitra Skinner, Brandon McLaughlin, and Heleana McLaughlin (Robert Stromas, III); fourteen great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; Sister in-law: Tommyne James and husband Elbert; James was bless with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, friends and very special friend, Charlie Bell