About
James Skipper Obituary
James was born in Madrid, AL, December 13, 1938, to Woodrow and Naomi Skipper. His dad was a farmer, so James lived on a farm and did all the things boys did to help. Yes, he picked cotton! His dad gave up farming and moved to Panama City where his aunt, Ester Conrad lived. His dad became a builder and helped build many places in the area including Miracle Strip Amusement Park.
James went to Jinks Middle School and Bay High School, where he played football and was very good at it.
James graduated from Bay High in 1959. He had met a girl in Panama City, but her folks had moved to Baton Rouge, LA, so he went out there and married Maureen Kelly in 1959. They were married when James went in the US Army for two years where he did missile work. They had a baby son, Skeebo, who was born with a bad heart. Much was done to help him, he was so special, but he passed away. James and Maureen were in Baton Rouge where James had a garage. He was very good at his work, and worked long hours. They had a daughter, Kelly Kay, and a son, Claude Ray. In 1986, they decided to move back to Panama City. James did installation work for Sears before he retired. Claude was a fine, strong-looking young man, but he developed leukemia, and after a few hard months passed away. Kelly Kay and her husband George warren lived in Southport before she passed away in 2024.
Maureen had a stroke and died in 2019. James had a hard time being alone. But he has gone to be with his wife and kids and his Jesus. James was a faithful member of Hiland Park Baptist Church, and loved his Sunday School class. He and Maureen were very involved with church, and were wonderful hosts. James was a fine, helpful man, and was glad to help you in any way he could. May he rest in peace.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home with Rev. Carl Fondren officiating. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 AM until time for the services at 11:00.
www.kentforestlawn.com
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