James R. Skipper

Mr. Skipper was born and raised in Henry County. He entered the military in January of 1945 where he completed 30 years of distinguished service. He was a paratrooper and aviator and one of the then few Master Army Pilots. Mr. Skipper served in WWII, the Korean Conflict, and two tours of duty in Vietnam. His military awards were numerous. He distinguished himself by heroism in action receiving a Purple Heart, 2 Bronze Star Medals, a Silver Star, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was with the U.S. Army Department of Standards at Ft. Rucker during his final years of service.

Mr. Skipper enjoyed the out-of-doors, farming and spending hours working in his yard. He was an avid reader, a fan of college football (especially Alabama), NASCAR, and boxing.

Mr. Skipper was preceded in death by his parents, William Oates and Pearla Mae Skipper; a brother, William Oates Skipper, Jr.; a half-sister, Mary Skipper Evans; and a half-brother, Henry Dennis Skipper.

Survivors include his wife, Jimmie Stubbs Skipper; sons, Mike (Charlote) Skipper, Mark (Carol) Skipper; daughters, Marilyn (Curt) Barnes, and Janet Skaggs, all of Dothan, AL; 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 1 niece, and special family friends, Paul and Angie Smith, San Antonio, TX.

Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of Byrd Funeral Home on West Main Street, Dothan, Alabama.