James F. Skinner, 80, of 156 East Terrace Ave. Lakewood, N.Y., passed away at 5:35 p.m. Saturday (November 10, 2012) in his home.
A lifelong area resident, he was born August 18, 1932, in Jamestown, N.Y., a son of the late Louis Raymond and Delmary Liniberry Skinner.
He was a graduate of the former Lakewood High School, where he played on the football team.
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James F. Skinner
Jim was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving active duty for two years. During his tour of duty he served on the naval destroyer USS VanValkenburgh and the USS William R. Rush during the Korean War.
Before his retirement he was employed as an inspector for the MRC-TRW Corporation for 20 years. In earlier years he had worked as a foreman for the Weber-Knapp Company for 10 years and also operated the former "Village Inn" in Celoron for several years.
He attended the Lakewood United Methodist Churh and was a member of the Lakewood Memorial Post 1286, American Legion, and the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club.
He will be remembered as a loving and caring father and grandfather who enjoyed woodworking and buliding things. In his youth, he was an accomplished speedskater, participating in several races at the former Roseland Park Ice Rink. He also enjoyed many sports and was recently named an honorary captain for the Southwestern football team, signifing the three generations of Skinners who played Southwestern football.
Surviving are two daughters: Cathy M. (Chris) Estes and Mary Kay (Jay) Smith, both of North Carolina, a son James C. (Dawn) Skinner of Lakewood, nine grandchildren: Christy (Robert) Inman, Justin (Jackie) McCray, Casey McCray, Cayla Estes, Amber Smith, Jay Smith Jr., all of North Carolina, Gregory Skinner, Brianna Skinner and Skyler Skinner, all of Lakewood; two great-grandchildren: Aubree Ella Smith and Brady I. Inman; and his sister, Ann Skinner of West Ellicott.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, the former Gloria A. Cook Skinner, who died December 15, 1995, and a granddaughter, Shannon E. Smith, who died August 9, 2012.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Violet A. Davidson, pastor of the Lakewood United Methodist Church, will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Sunset Hill Cemetery.
Friends will be received from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the American Lung Association.
You may light a candle in remembrance of Jim at www.lindfuneralhome.com.
