James Edward Skidmore, 78, of St. Marys, W.Va., living at Heartland of Marietta, went to be with his Lord surrounded by his family on July 20, 2012.

He was born at Minford, Ohio, on Dec. 30, 1933, and was the son of the late Orville E. Skidmore and Janet Trippett Skidmore.

He graduated from Minford High School, Minford, Ohio, in June 1952. He served his country in the United States Army from Dec. 1, 1954, until his discharge on Nov. 30, 1956. He worked for 30 years at the former A.B. Chance Company before retiring in November 1994. He most recently worked at Kesterson's Dry Cleaners for 10 years before leaving due to health reasons. He loved his grandchildren and enjoyed traveling, fishing and working in his yard.

Jim is survived by his wife of almost 52 years, Elenore Bush Skidmore; two daughters, Janet Skidmore of Veto, Ohio, and Linda (Danny) Fulmer of St. Marys, W.Va.; two sons, Jim Skidmore of Montegut, La., and Robin Skidmore of Garrison, Ky.; sister, Cleta (Herschel) Sparks of Marshall, Ill.; brother, Jerry (Vicki) Skidmore of Tucson, Ariz.; six grandchildren, Morgan, Matti, Mason, Crystal, Jimmie and KY; one great-grandchild, Bryce; and two very special nieces, Debbie Berry of Mount Sterling, Ohio, and Sally Sparks of Terra Haute, Ind.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and infant brother, Clyde.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thanks to Jim's special caretakers at Heartland of Marietta for their loving and devoted care, kindness and friendship during his illness.

Jim's body has been donated to Marshall University, Joan C. Edward's School of Medicine, for the research of Alzheimer's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. There will be no viewing or funeral services.