James “Jim Bob” Skidmore, of Bridge City, passed away peacefully at the age of 85, surrounded by his family, at his home on December 30, 2023. He was born on April 21, 1938 to Albert and Dollie Skidmore of Sulphur Bluff, Texas. He spent the majority of his life in Orange, Texas and graduated from Stark High School in 1957. He excelled in sports, playing both basketball, and baseball, where he made All-District.
He was a huge fan of the University of Texas and loved watching them play both baseball and football. Darrell K. Royal even attended his daughters wedding in Austin. He also enjoyed going to West Orange-Stark football games. He was a season ticket holder even after all of his children had graduated from high school.
He started his career as a sports writer for the Orange Leader and then went on to work as a mechanic, pipe fitter, and pre-planner for Dupont Sabine River Works for 40 years.
He is preceded in death by his parents and eldest daughter, Pamela Ann Skidmore Hardcastle.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Skidmore, daughters Dana Schumann, and Kimberly Valdez. Grandchildren, Gregory, and Braden Valdez, Chandler Libby, and Harrison Hardcastle.
To honor his memory, the family is holding a Celebration of Life at Well of Hope Christian Fellowship 120 Bland Drive, Bridge City, TX on Saturday, January 27th from 2pm – 4pm.
He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The family would like to thank Best Hospice for their care and support. The family is also asking that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.act.alz.org.
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