I recently found out that Jim has passed away and I wanted to reach out to send my condolences to his family.
Jim and I first met when he was booking bands at Mac and I was working for a local radio station selling air time. Through the years we became very good friends. Jim's generosity knew no bounds for his friends, he always included me in whatever he had on the go, concerts, Grey cup parties, juno awards etc. When Jim purchased the house in Hamilton and opened  his office he invited me to move into one of the  apartments upstairs. Although our lives took different paths I will always remember him and will always speak of him as a friend. Peace my Friend

I was Assistant Program Director at McMaster in the 70s and spent a lot of time with Jim and Lois. He was a remarkable talent and taught me a great deal about business and music. He used to call me Radar, and I still treasure the letter opener he gave me with the inscription - Radar Promotions Inc.

Jim, my cousin was a man of the arts, music and much more. My dad tom told me he was one of the best and I agree. I got prime tickets for burton Cummings, fats domino, Mickey gilley, sharon lois and bram, the polka dot door,  Larry gowan and many more, and enjoyed sitting with lois, james jr (jay), Steve and david.  Pete daley always had great radio broadcasts after each amazing performance and praise for spi. God bless jim as he had a wake by those who loved him. He was the best!!! My husband Anthony got 2 Duke of edinburg awards and said jim deserved one.  Jim, talented by all means. Love janice xo 

I recall with great fondness the many hours Jim and a bunch of us spent at Grapes and Things in downtown Hamilton during the eighties. He was always generous, funny and opinionated but thoroughly loved by all.  He kind of invented the game "Black and White TV Trivia" with Eric, Jason,  Rick, Roddy, Paul and so any others who, in between snacks of great chicken wings would shout out answers - usually wrong. Never to be forgotten were the occasional volleyball games on the front lawn - so many memories from Mac and Hamilton Place back stage - a man gone way too soon.  Rest well Jim, and you just know Harry and Fats will be there to greet you. 

Jim was a former manager and a blessing to me.  I am grateful to him as someone who had the same love for American roots music and shared the vision to dress it up in the contemporary clothing of the times. During the process of recording an album under his management I spent much time with him in Hess Village at the various haunts, almost daily.  I remember a lot of smart conversation but mostly a lot of laughs.
He will be missed.  We are keeping his family in our prayers for their loss.
 

You're always with me Jim. When I hoist a drink with your son, we'll toast your memory, recall your laugh, and how it was a pleasure to be around you. Love you man.
Bran & the Wades

I met jim in 2003, right from the start I enjoyed conversing with him. Through the years we shared good times and some sad times but all in all he was a great friend to me. He was always there for me to talk to when I had some troubled times. Often in the last couple of years I would walk by the flamingo and look up were he usually sat( we called it his stoop)  were he overlooked the patio, but he was not there.it seemed so strange to not see him there! I later learned he was not well. My condolences to Jay, Steve and the extended flamingo family. He has and will be truly missed. Stay strong Jay and Steve, love you always xo

jim was always kind and humorous , and had some very kind words of wisdom , at a time of some personal grief for  me. i have never forgoten  how comforting that particular conversation  was with jim .  sorry for your loss jay and steven !!

Jay and Steven;  We are so sorry to hear that your Dad has passed away.  Jim was an amazing, accomplished and generous man.  Though we haven't seen you for some years, we think of you fondly and cherish the memories we have with you and your family.   Sending our sincerest sympathy to you and the Flamingo family.  Patti and Jack Oosterveld

Jim was a very generous human being and we will always remember him for that generosity

When he heard that the hall for our wedding reception had burned to the ground 2 weeks before our event , he arranged for a hall and catering for us at McMaster  University and then provide a live band for our reception as well at his expense 
It was his wedding  gift to us 
and for that we will always be forever grateful  
Thank you Jim !
RIP

Jim and Sheila Gillard 
Nee Sheila Skarratt


Very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. My condolences to Jim’s family.  Many great memories while at CKOC working with Jim  on all the fabulous shows he brought to Hamilton that we were a part of. And I met Jim before that during our musician days. He was a wonderful guy. God bless his soul and may he rest in eternal peace. 
 

Regrettably, I haven't visited the Flamingo in far too long and have been meaning to catch up with Jim as he was never one to sugar coat things and had a great deal of wisdom to share from his many life experiences. 
The Skarratts are some of the coolest people I've ever met and I'll never forget the best years of my life that they gave me. They always treated me like family and I still dream about hanging out at their old house all of the time. Those memories, you just can't put a price on.

I haven't seen Jim for many years as I have lived away from Hamilton. I remember attending some of his early concerts at Mac when I was a teenager and I met Jim in the 80s during his Skarratt Promotions days. He was a mentor and friend. I have many happy memories of his hospitality at concerts and parties at the farm near Jerseyville with Lois (and the boys who were so young). He had an eye for talent, tremendous energy and warmth of spirit. My condolences to Jim's family and friends. 

My condolences to the immediate and extended Lazy Flamingo family.  A ball of fire he was, rest in peace Jim. 
Heidi Mayer

I am so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. I haven’t seen him for a while but there was always a twinkle in his eye and a warm hug when I did.I played the Hess Street festival for yrs and Jim was the kingpin…a King of a man…Godspeed old friend

OBITUARY

James Anthony Skarratt

November 17, 1945 – November 25, 2021

Marlatt Funeral Home, Swackhamer Chapel

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