James Skidmore

James "Jim" Marshall Skidmore, 91, of Laurel passed away Monday, June 15, 2015, at his home.

Jim was born in Frostburg, Maryland, on April 23, 1924. He was the son of the late James Allen and Elizabeth (Rupp) Skidmore. He is preceded in death by his brother Carl Skidmore and his sisters Elizabeth Harden, Viola Keister, Susan Barry, Helen Pollock, and Anna Kennell. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 64 years, Doris Jeanne (Poorbaugh) Skidmore; daughters, Kim Molhoek and husband Robert, Brooke Estes and husband Ken, Karyn Flanick and husband Bruce; son, James Skidmore; grandchildren, Jordan Hudson and husband Devin, Taylor Estes, Capt. Benjamin Flanick, Lt. Kyle Flanick and wife Sarah, Lt. Trevor Flanick and wife Rebekah, Adam Flanick, Joshua Flanick, and Daniel Flanick; and numerous nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Beall High School in Frostburg, Jim served 2 years in the Army during WWII. He attended Frostburg State College where he met his future wife and obtained a degree in teaching. He began his career at the old Laurel High School as a science teacher and vice principal. When the new Laurel Junior High School was built, he transferred there and served as a guidance counselor. His laughter, whistling, and singing filled the corridors until his retirement in 1981. He inspired many young people during his long career and was frequently sought out to attend Laurel High School class reunions. He enjoyed reminiscing with former students.

Besides his work as an educator and counselor, Jim provided for his young family by working as a t.v. repairman for both Ed's T.V. and Merson's T.V. in Laurel. A jack of all trades, he also worked on the addition at the junior high school.

His childhood, service in the military, and work as an educator provided a plethora of stories that he enjoyed sharing with friends and family. He had an uncanny ability to remember facts, figures, and names.

In his younger years, he enjoyed traveling in his camper with his family. His hobbies included tinkering with electronics and anything mechanical, woodworking, yard work, and collecting model trains. He enjoyed both singing and dancing and could really cut a rug in his younger days. Although he slowed down physically in recent years, he still could tell a great story and would bend your ear with the accomplishments of his grandchildren of whom he was extremely proud.

He recently received acknowledgement for his 60-year membership in the Laurel Wreath Lodge.

Big Jim will be remembered for his sense of humor, great smile, hearty laugh, and his love and devotion to his wife, children, and grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to PETS, a non-profit program that provides skill based riding and horsemanship lessons, free of charge, to PG County residents dealing with various disabilities. P.O. Box 1244 Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20773-1244