James B. Skinner

James B. (Jim) Skinner, 90, of Abilene, passed away on Friday, June 17, 2011 at his home. Visitation will be on Monday evening, June 20, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, in Abilene. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 21, in Elmwood Memorial Park with the Reverend Art Goolsbee of Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest officiating. Jim was born May 6, 1921 in Dallas, Texas and moved to Abilene in 1933. He was raised by his aunt and uncle, Mack and Blanche Merchant. Mack Merchant became his mentor and friend, and taught Jim about ranching, farming, roping, and horsemanship. Jim often spoke of him as the finest man he had ever known. He graduated from Abilene High School in 1939. In 1942 he joined the military, and served in the United States Army for 3 years during WWII. He traveled overseas to fight in the European Theater, stationed mostly in Germany. Before shipping out, he married Geraldine (Jerry) McElheny in Dallas on December 27, 1944. After the war, Jim returned to Abilene, where he farmed and ranched on the family's land northwest of town. An ardent calf and steer roper in his younger days, he loved horses until the end. He bred and raised both Quarter and Thoroughbred race horses, partnering at times with his good friend Dr. Phil (Doc) Smith. In addition to roping and horses, he enjoyed working on the ranch, hunting, and shooting with his two sons, and was once active in the Abilene Gun Club. He served on the board of The West Texas Rehabilitation Center and was the first chairman of the Cattlemen's Roundup for Crippled Children. He was on the board of directors of Abilene National Bank and the Citizens State Bank of Cross Plains. He was a member of Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest where he served on the vestry and various committees, and he was a founding member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Abilene. He was devoted to his wife, Jerry, who preceded him in death on December 28, 1998. They were married for 54 years. He is survived by son Jim M. Skinner and his friend, Gloria Lantzy of Abilene, son Mack C. Skinner and his wife Debbie of Abilene, and granddaughter Allison Skinner of Austin. He also leaves behind his beloved friend and companion, Irene Pope of Abilene. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas, 79605, Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, 602 Meander, Abilene, Texas, 79602, or the donor's favorite charity.