James W. Skerritt

1929 - 2011

BORN

1929

DIED

2011

James Skerritt Obituary

James W. Skerritt

James William Skerritt beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother died suddenly on January 24, 2011. Born on June 9, 1929, he married Lee Pagnini in Detroit, Mich. on October 7, 1950. He earned his masters degree's in English and History at Wayne State University and the University of Michigan. Jim began teaching in Michigan and finished his career as an instructor of English and Literature at Henry Ford Community College. Jim's passion for life, his kindness, sense of humor and love for jazz music touched and changed the lives of those who knew and loved him. Jim retired in 1990 when he and Lee relocated to Evergreen, Colo. where they lived happily for ten years. Jim and Lee relocated to Palm Desert, Calif. where they enjoyed the desert life. Jim devoted his time to various social causes and civic activities. Jim is survived by his wife, Lee Skerritt; his son, David Skerritt of Royal Oak, Mich.; his daughter, Victoria Skerritt; his son-in-law, James King; his grandson, Benjamin King of Concord, Calif.; and his brother, Tom Skerritt of Seattle, Wash. The family is planning a memorial service in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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Published by The Desert Sun on Feb. 3, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for James Skerritt

8 Entries

Linda Maloney

June 9, 2011

I had Jim for 8th grade English back at O.L. Smith Jurnior High School in Dearborn, Michigan. I am now 61 years old. Of all the teachers I had, Mr. Skerritt was my favorite. In fact, he is the reason I decided to major in English. I think he would have been happy to know that I was the first woman to receive the Michigan College Fellowship for graduate studies at th University of Michigan back in the early 1970s. I have made my living as a speechwriter and media writer working for various Fortune 100 companies. I have also done some teaching, both at the college level and, yes, I even taught 8th grade English one year. (One year was enough-it certainly made me realize how hard Jim worked!) I will never forget Jim telling me to believe in myself (I was shy and full of self-doubt at that age) and encouraging me to try things. For example, he encouraged me to be in the school's talent show. I told jokes with another girl, vaudeville style, and I must say I was pretty awful, but it was fun. At one point, I completely forgot my lines and broke into nervous, uncontrollable laughter. The audience started laughing too. I looked offstage and saw Mr. Skerritt wildly waving his arms and trying to mouth the words I needed to say. He got me back on track. I didn't have a very happy childhood, and let's just say, I really needed a kind and understanding male role model. I got just that in my favorite teacher, Jim Skerritt. I'm sure he never knew how much he meant to me. He also taught me how to drive a few years later when I took driver's training. I remember once when I was driving and he was sitting in the passenger's seat, I had apparently drifted into the left lane. Instead of shouting at me to get back into the right lane, he simply started talking to me in an English accent, saying, "Don't you love how the English drive on the left?" I am saddened by Jim's death, and I know all of you who were his family and close friends must keenly feel his loss. One of his family members who he spoke of often is Tom Skerritt. He told us his brother was going to be a famous actor someday. He had such faith in him. And he told us we could do anything we wanted as well, and to boldly pursue our dreams. I became an instant fan of everything Tom Skerritt did, starting with Mash, which I watched religiously. I can only imagine the joy it gave Jim to watch his brother's career soar. Actually, I just sent Tom a message on his fan club posting (dont know if he will ever read it) saying that Jim talked about him often to his students back in the 1960s. Oddly, my own 23 year-old son who is a film school graduate and an aspiring actor in Santa Monica, Calif., is a big fan of Tom's. (I'd love for them to meet someday, but sure it is too much to hope for.) Anyway, blessings on Jim and his family and friends who knew and loved him. Just know that he was a very special man to an insecure little girl at a time when she desperately needed the guidance of a kind and generous man.

Elizabeth Skerritt-Bevans

February 21, 2011

I only remember seeing Uncle Jim maybe four times. It was usually a reunion situation for the Skerritt boys, and once was for my Dad's memorial. My memory of Uncle Jim will always be of a kind, calm, loving person who was deeply devoted to his family. My Dad loved both of his brothers very much, and was equally proud of them. My prayers are with Aunt Lee, Victoria and David.

Gerald DeGrazia

February 21, 2011

Mr. Skerritt was a wonderful and effective Fordson High School teacher. He challenged his students and demonstrated true caring for their academic progress. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Marianne Ray

February 19, 2011

What a wonderful teacher. I was in Mr. Skerritt's class when he taught at Fordson High. I always remember a calmness about him, his unique sense of humor, and his genuine smile. My deepest sympathy and prayers to the Skerritt family.

Rex Brown

February 11, 2011

Jim's passing will sadden the hearts of everyone who knew and worked with him in the English department at Fordson H.S. He brightened the spirits of the teachers in the English teachers' lounge every time he walked in. I cherish his friendship and my memories of his quietly wry, witty, but keen observations on the day-to-day challenges we all shared. My heartfelt sympathy to the Skerritt family.

February 6, 2011

I am deeply saddened by the news of Jim's passing. When we worked together, he was one of my closest friends. We had fun together at Fordson at Henry Ford Community College and at the many social events we shared. His casual, easy-going manner and his sense of humor are treasures I will always remember and sadly miss.
Ellie and I offer our condolences and our prayers to the Skerritt family. Joe and Ellie Kolpacke

John Roggenbeck

February 3, 2011

What a great guy. I taught with Jim at Henry Ford and always loved being in his company-intelligent, laid back, witty, and gracious. The college would enter the name "Staff" in the new class schedules if the instructor had not yet been selected. A student once asked another instructor if he knew Mr. Staff. The instructor said "Certainly" and proceeded to take the student to Jim's office and introduced Jim as Mr. Staff. Jim never blinked an eye. He carried on a great conversation with the student who departed satisfied.

Maria DeGennaro

February 3, 2011

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

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