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James Skelton Obituary

Woodstock - James L. Skelton, 65, of East Woodstock, died unexpectedly the morning of Feb. 12, 2009.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine. Married Jan. 5, 1965, they spent 44 wonderful years together.

He also leaves his three sons and a daughter, James Skelton and his fiancée, Lisa Santiago, of Groton, Scott Skelton and his fiancée, Bonnie Colangelo, of Killingly, Donnie Skelton and his wife, Laura, of Niantic, and Jennifer Parke and her husband, Robert, of Woodstock. Jim had a special place in his heart for all his grandchildren and he was very proud of them; he was loved and adored by them all. His grandchildren include Ashley and Austin Parke, Allyssa, Katelin, and Robert Skelton and Michael Jacobs. He has seven brothers and sisters, Robert, Abbott, Charles, and Gary Skelton, Elizabeth Garner, Karen Smith, and Cheryl Pitts, who all reside in Georgia. Jim also had many close friends he is leaving behind.

He was employed at Pfizer in Groton for over 20 years. He retired from the U.S. Coast Guard after 20 years, a veteran of the Vietnam War.

Over the years, Jim has been an active participant in serving the Lord in many ways. Jim enjoyed his two weekly bible studies, Thursday morning inspirational breakfasts, running and walking, cooking (with lots of butter, gravy, and sauces!), and attending his grandchildren's many sporting events. He also loved spending time with his family and friends. Jim was one of the most caring, gentle, selfless, and kind men the Lord has blessed us with. He had a heart of gold and a love for his heavenly Father. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in the Evangelical Covenant Church in Woodstock, followed by military honors. Calling hours are from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the Woodstock Evangelical Covenant Church, 24 Child Hill Road, Woodstock CT 06281.

To share a memory, "Light a Candle" at www.smithandwalkerfh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Feb. 14, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for James Skelton

Not sure what to say?





Judith (Pearson) Flemming

February 23, 2009

To all of you:

My prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of someone so special.

Kathy Skelton

February 19, 2009

Dear Elaine, Jim, Jen, Scott and Donnie,
May you all find the strengh, courage and loving memories you need to help you heal. May you all gain strengh in the knowledge that Jim is at peace, watching over you now from afar, and that he was truly loved by so many. He was a shining example of what a true Christian should be. I loved him very much, and believe the world is a little sadder because of his loss, but that Heaven is truly rejoicing with his presence.I will always remember him with a smile on my face and much love in my heart. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love always, Kathy

February 17, 2009

Jim, and family
Our deepest sympathy during this difficult time.
Jody and Dee

Anthony & Dorothy Warren Ret USCG

February 17, 2009

To the Sklelton Family.

We are sorry for your loss. Jim serverd with me in Vietnam on the
Pt Jefferson and he was a very nice
person , I was very sad to see that he passed on. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ret USCG Chief,
Tony Warren

Laurie Long

February 16, 2009

Please know that you are all in our thoughts and that Jim will be missed. The service was quite nice today and a great testimony of how much he was loved.

Jeanne Dawber

February 16, 2009

Elaine & family, So sorry to hear of your "great" loss. Be assured that you are in our thoughts and prayers

Matt & Sandy Rockett

February 15, 2009

To the Skelton family,

When my dad passed, this was sent on a card and I've never forgotten it--it still helps me when things get rough:

"Trust Him when dark doubts assail thee, Trust Him when thy strength is small, Trust Him when to simply trust Him seems the hardest thing of all."

May God comfort and be with you in these days and always...

Rick Radicioni

February 15, 2009

My condolences to the Skelton family,Worked with Jim my last five years at Pfizer What Keith Brower said was right to the point.

Eric Manes

February 15, 2009

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Don Bryant

February 15, 2009

Dear Elaine and Family,

We loved Jimmy not only as a good person but as a best friend, and he will be missed. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with him and your entire family.

Keith A. Brouwer

February 15, 2009

Dear Skelton Family:

I am deeply saddened to hear of Jim's untimely passing. I have always had the highest regard for Jim since meeting him many years ago at Pfizer. I will always remember Jim as an honest and cheerful man who loved to be with people. I am glad that I had the chance to know him as a friend and a colleague. Jim was always kind, and had a great sense of humor, but most importantly someone who always took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to stop and say hello. At Pfizer, Jim gained the trust and respect of colleagues by interacting in a fair and honest manner. Jim was a wealth of knowledge in the raw material business and always welcomed sharing it to help others. Jim always looked out for the best interests of the department and it was reflected in his work. He always had time to help people, always had a positive attitude, and truly cared about his family, his work and all the people around him. Pfizer was fortunate to have such a dedicated employee. I hope that the good memories you built will help you through this difficult time. I join you and the many others who will miss him, but remain grateful still for having known and worked with him for many years. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

With warmest regards,

Dee & Russ Stewart

February 15, 2009

Dear Jim & Family,

We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Eileen D'Andre

February 14, 2009

Elaine, We are so sorry to hear of your beloved's passing. We will ask the Lord to give you His comfort peace and healing. Only He can comfort. When answers aren't enough there is Jesus.

Blaney and Linda Harris

February 14, 2009

Dear Elaine and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We remember Jim very fondly, and we know he is enjoying the Lord's wonderful presence now. We will look forward to sharing it with him in the future.

Chris & Kipp (Hann) DeCecco

February 14, 2009

Our deepest sympathy & prayers are with you all. When someone you love becomes a memory, a memory becomes a treasure. Our families have shared many memories, they are never forgotten.

gonzalo marcelo jr.

February 14, 2009

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Theresa Grimm

February 14, 2009

To all,

I remember Jim so well. I signed him into Pfizer when I worked on the plant side. He was respectful and very humble. He is now with our Lord in Heaven basking in His glory.

May all the memories of his good life sustain all of you until you meet him again.

God Bless,
Theresa Grimm

Barbara Norton

February 14, 2009

Jim will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He was a gentleman with a great since of humor and kindness of heart. May the Lord welcome him with open arms.

My deepest sympathy to Elaine and all the family.

Donna Hepler

February 14, 2009

My deepest sympathy to all the Skelton Family. My heart goes out to all of you.

Cheryl Kramer

February 14, 2009

My prayers are with the entire family at this difficult time. Jim was a true man of God and he set a wonderful example of how God can work in one's life. Those of us lucky enough to have known him are the blessed ones.

Kimlyn Marshall

February 14, 2009

Donnie and Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kimlyn and John

Mary MANES

February 14, 2009

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Sue Sitter

February 13, 2009

To the Skelton family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Skelton was an unbelievable man, who will be greatly missed. I have very fond memories of him and Mrs. Skelton. My thoughts are with you.

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