James Edward Eskew, Sr.

James Edward Eskew Sr., of Pompano Beach, Florida, passed away on March 4, 2021. He was 97. Jim was born on February 19, 1924, in Dayton, Ohio. He graduated from Patterson Co-op High School in 1942. In 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as an infantryman in the South Pacific at Guadalcanal during World War II. He was later promoted to Assistant Chaplain. Upon his return, he attended Miami Jacobs Junior College. Many years later, in 2016, Jim was proud to participate in the Honor Flight Program, flying to Washington D.C. to be recognized for his service in the war.

Jim married the love of his life, Betty Silver, in 1952, and along with their young daughter, Jim and Betty moved to southern California, where their first son was born. Missing their family back in Ohio, the couple returned to Dayton, where five more sons were born. In 1972, the family moved to South Florida, eventually settling in Palm Beach County, where Betty and Jim lived out the rest of their years. As a young man, Jim worked as an office manager for an electrical contractor while honing his skills in sales. He also became a Certified Public Accountant. Jim eventually enjoyed a stellar career in real estate. His warm, easygoing personality made Jim a top salesman for many years in a row.

Jim truly lived life to the fullest. A lover of music his entire life, Jim was also an excellent dancer. He was a passionate patron of the theater, and he and Betty regularly visited New York City to attend plays. Traveling widely, both nationally and internationally, they enjoyed numerous destinations ranging from European capitals to Mexico and South Africa. A gifted storyteller, Jim often regaled listeners with stories of their travels, perhaps most memorably of sailing the Greek Isles. After losing Betty in 2011, Jim continued his active lifestyle, often accompanied by other family members and the many dear friends he had made over the course of a lifetime. Jim was also deeply devoted to his Catholic faith and to his family. He cherished the company of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, to whom he was known as “Papa Jim.”

Jim is predeceased by his parents, Ullas and Catherine (Herren) Eskew; his wife, Betty; and his sons James Jr. and Cary Eskew. Jim is survived by his daughter, Christa, and his sons Travis, Michael, Scott, and Sean Eskew. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He will be missed terribly by friends and family alike, who take comfort in the fact that Jim has been reunited with his dearest companion, Betty, and the other loved ones who have gone before him.

A celebration of Jim Eskew’s life will begin on Thursday, March 11, with a visitation and viewing to be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Howard-Quattlebaum Funeral, Cremation, and Event Center in North Palm Beach (dignitymemorial.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">dignitymemorial.com). A mass of Christian burial will be held at noon on Friday, March 12, at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens (cathedralpb.com). Jim will be honored for his military service with military honors being rendered and laid to rest at 3:00 PM on Friday at Riverside Memorial Park and Cemetery in Tequesta (dignitymemorial.com).