James B. Skillman, Sr., 84, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, April 18, 2021 at his residence.
Born September 7, 1936, in Shelby County, he was the son of Bill Skillman and Lucille (Benefiel) Skillman.
On August 2, 1969, he married the love of his life, Shirley Anne (Griffith) Skillman and she preceded him in death on November 30, 2009.
James is survived by his daughters, Linda Richards, Lisa (Terry) Kitchin, and Mary (Mickey) Phares, his son James B. "Jimmy" (Mandy) Skillman, Jr., all of Shelbyville; his sisters, Mary Roy, of Greenfield, and JoAnn Skillman of Jacksonville, FL., his grandchildren, Misty, Christy, Sabrina Anne, Dicky, Tony, Kelly, Andy, Cory and Hunter; his great-grandchildren, Luke, Macy, Deacon, Abbilynn, Jenna, Rylee, Damion, Chase, Hannah, Eadin, Asher, Kody, Wyatt, and Aden; his great-great-grandchildren, Maddox, Jayden, and Dakota, and his daughter-in-law, Brenda Covington.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his son, Hal Covington, 4 brothers, 2 sisters, and great-granddaughter, Kayla McColley
James attended Southwestern High School. He was a member of the Indiana National Guard.
He attended the First Church of the Nazarene in Shelbyville. James was a member of the Eagles Lodge 766. He began working in maintenance at Admiral at the age of 18 and stayed in maintenance until retiring from Great States in 1999.
He was an avid bowler. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting and fishing. His family was most important to him. His greatest joy was spending time with his loved ones.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison St.
Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Stephen Bohall officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by local veterans’ organizations.
Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks, and Stuart Parks are honored to serve James’ family.
Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.
