Jim Skelley's Obituary
Jim Skelley, 73, of Decatur, passed away Thursday, May 5, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family.
Jim was born August 18, 1942, in Decatur, to Royal Eugene and Rosemary Ulah (Collett) Skelley. He was an Air force Veteran. He married Lynda Hatch on September 12, 1962, in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Decatur.
Jim loved riding horses with his wife Lynda on his favorite horse, Beau.
Jim is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lynda Skelley; three children, Todd (Sandy) Skelley of Decatur, Terri (Dave) Rathje of Decatur and Tom Skelley of Decatur; six grandchildren, Devin, Alice, Isaac, David James, Rachel and Gracie; one great-grandson, Declan; one sister, Sister Rosemary Skelley O.S.U. of Decatur; four brothers, Bob (Connie) Skelley of Mt. Zion, Tom (Janet) Skelley of Decatur, John Skelley of Pegram, TN and Dan (Candy) Skelley of Maroa.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Peggy Hayes and one daughter-in-law, Christy Skelley.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Mario Velasco, Dr. Yoon, special nurse Rachel Melton, nurses and staff at Cancer Care Institute, and Decatur Memorial Hospital 5th floor nursing staff. The spirit, care, and attention they covered Dad with.
Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 10, 2016, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 407 E. Eldorado, Decatur, with the Rev. John Burnette, Celebrant. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Saints James & Patrick Parish.
The family of Jim Skelley is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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