James Daniel Skinner, Jr.

SERVICES: 11 AM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2015 AT OTT AND LEE FUNERAL HOME IN BRANDON

BURIAL: SALEM CEMETERY, LAKE, MS

VISITATION: 5-8 PM MONDAY AND 10 AM TUESDAY AT OTT AND LEE IN BRANDON

James Daniel Skinner Jr., 75, of Pelahatchie, MS went home to be with his Jesus on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at the home of his daughter and son-in-law in Brandon, MS after a short period of illness. Visitation is 5-8 pm Monday, October 19, 2015 and 10 am Tuesday at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon. Services are 11 am Tuesday at the funeral home with interment in Salem Cemetery in Lake, MS. Dr. Keith Grubbs and Rev. Danny Epps are officiating.

James grew up in Jackson, AL until he moved to MS and met the love of his life, Helen Bufkin Skinner. He retired from W. R. Grace but continued working as a support service to this company that honored him for his years of dedication.

He was a very active and a devoted member of Park Place Baptist Church and “Open Arms” Sunday School Class in Pearl, MS. In the early 70’s, a “Children’s Bus Ministry” played a major role in him coming to know the Lord, he in turn poured into the lives of children by becoming a captain of a bus in the same ministry. His passion for children was shown throughout his life by volunteering with school trips when his children were younger, VBS and RA’s until his illness.

The passion that he carried for the people he loved the most was vocalized every day through prayer. He never missed a day praying for his wife, children and their spouses, his grandchildren and Park Place Baptist Church staff and their families which he prayed for all by name.

He was preceded in death by his father, James “Jim” Daniel Skinner, Sr. who died during WWII, and his mother Gertrude Skinner Wilkinson.

Survivors include his wife, Helen Skinner of Pelahatchie; sons, Michael Anderson Sr. (Savina) of McIntosh Alabama; Kelly Skinner (Tracey) of Pelahatchie; daughter Kathy Nelson (Stephen) of Brandon; grandchildren, Amber Skinner, Matthew Skinner, Christopher Skinner, Daniel Barnett; Michael Anderson Jr. (Deanna), Stephanie Anderson, Jennifer Anderson; great grandchildren, David Skinner and extended great grandchildren.

Pallbearers are Alvin Rush, Gerald Lawrence, Bill McNeese, Ray Cumberland, Raymond Houf, Calvin Robinson, Louis Alexander and Gayle Huddleston. Honorary pallbearers were Tom Case, Dave Lucas, Gerald Hester and Robert Branning.

The family requests that memorial donations be sent to: Park Place Baptist Church, Missions Department.