My sincere condolences to Dr. Skinners family. Dr. Skinner was my teacher this last semester and everything happened to fast but I talk to him and one thing we had in common was that one of his sons was an artist. Dr. Skinner said some thing that stuck to me he said that one thing he would like was for his son (the artist) to not be to depressed. Dr. Skinner was a great teacher and he showed me something very valuable that no matter how ill you get you still go to work and do your job. Dr. Skinner was a great teacher and may his spirit be every where.

My sorrow to you, Suzanne, for such an immense loss... but I can't help to think of such an incredible life! I remember his smile. Those cheesecakes! His wit. His demeanor... and I miss him. When I met you... you were compiling the Chair's manual... remember? I kept thinking what a neat woman! She's awesome! Then I learned your name and discovered you two were married and I was floored -- what a powerhouse couple! So much love. 
So much joy. Treasures of the heart forever. My regards and respect, 
Martha Saenz Buchanan

I will miss your words of advise, wisdom, and smile. Thank you for being available when I needed instruction & guidance.

My sincere wishes for all friends and family fo find comfort at this sad time.

Professor Skinner was a favorite of mine. He was fair but firm with his students and he recognized hard work and rewarded it.

Suzanne, 
Please accept my sincere condolences on John's death. Yesterday's memorial was a fitting tribute to a man who has given so much of himself. We in the SAC Community share your pain. 
Sincerely, 
Ellen

Dear Suzanne and family. I am so sorry that I couldn't be in TX for the celebration of John's life. I loved him very much and always will. I also love each one of you and will try to better about keeping in touch. My thoughts and prayers are with you love Barb

John and I taught together, traveled with students to speech tournaments, co-authored eleven editions of three communication textbooks, and attended decades of professional conventions. My life is richer because of Johns influence and friendship, his thoughtfulness toward others, his commitment to teaching and learning, his respect for words and their impact, and his wry sense of humor. In our last telephone conversation, John commented how wonderful it would be to meet up for one more speech convention in Chicagoour favorite convention city. We would reminisce with colleagues; explore the shops on Michigan Avenue; indulge in Chicago-style deep dish pizza, visit the Art Institute, and spend too much time in Marshall Fields--we refused to refer to it as Macy's! There, John would add to his collection of sweaters and meticulously color-coordinate my wardrobeeven giving me a handwritten note instructing me which sweater to wear with other apparel. Oh, just to have one more chance to do what we had done so many times before! Next month, I move to a Michigan Ave condo. John, you will be in my thoughts as I walk our convention paths in Chicago. The poet Sophocles wrote: One must wait until the evening to see how splendid the day has been. John, your day has been splendid. I am deeply saddened, but thankful that you gave me the blessing of so many good memories. I will forever miss you. George

I will always remember John for his warmth, his kindness and his generosity. He was a wonderful colleague who we will remember always. Love to you Suzanne and family. Charles and Kyle

I will surely miss Dr. Skinner. I enjoyed him as a professor, and he has truly been an inspiration. I also enjoyed some of the personal connections I was able to make with him during my speeches. Like the fact that he liked the Sgt Pepper album. I thank God for the time he granted to have him as an instructor. My condolences and my God bless you and your family.

While walking back from class with a hula hoop, feather boa, and tennis Dr. Skinner. He told me to call him John and replied, "You certainly look like an engaging teacher!" 
He then went on to share with me his use of an Ella Fitzgerald video clip to illustrate maintaining composure...and suggested I take a look at it. I did and now utilize it in my lesson plan. Thank you John for engaging me in such and warm and supportive manner! May you find eternal peace. My deepest sympathies to Suzanne and family.

Drew, 
I just wanted to take a moment to tell you and your family that I am very sorry for your loss. You parents were always very nice to me when I was around and I will always remember that. I will light a candle for your father and pray for your family. Christina

Dr Skinner will always be remembered in my heart kindly and with the highest esteem. He was a one of a kind human being that always made me feel comfortable and excited to go to his class. My thoughts and prayers to the family. This man was a true one of a kind person and professor!

My sincerest condolences to Mrs. Skinner. I hope you find strength in our Lord through this tragic time and you find your way to a better tomorrow.

When I started teaching at SAC in 1998, I will never forget coming into the office for the first time, with John as my officemate. Suzanne will laugh, but will not be surprised when I say he still had stuff all over my desk! He was the BEST MENTOR EVER! I was so blessed to call him my friend and will miss him so much. When I moved into my house, John and Suzanne gave me a baby crepe myrtle tree. Today it is huge and I can't wait for it to bloom this year because I will see him in the brightness of the blooms and smile! I love you Mr. Skinner! me:)

I considered it an honor to be part of John's Public Speaking class. He was top notch. He will be missed.

I was deeply saddened to hear on the news @ 9 on fox that one of my favorite professors had passed. I was a student in Mr. Skinner's speech class, fall of 2010. He made the class fun and was always very encouraging to us. He made you feel comfortable speaking in public and was always available to answer any questions. I remember the week of finals Fall 2010, I had gotten the flu, Mr. Skinner had given me the opportunity to make up the exam. The day of the make up, he made sure I was comfortable and had everything that I needed to take the test. I am now a student at UTSA, working on my Bachelor's. I can now say, thanks to Mr. Skinner, that I have become a more confident speaker. Out of all the professors I have had during my 5 yrs at San Antonio College, he was one of my favorites. He will be truly missed. My deepest condolences go out to his family.

Sending lots of loving thoughts to the Skinner family. John was my pal of a lifetime, and a beloved member of my large and extended family. He'll be missed by all of us Haynies who loved him for his laughter, intelligence, and wit.

How I will miss your laughter and politics and 10am chats with you. LOVE.

Dear Mrs. Skinner. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to know you and Mr. Skinner at SAC. You were great teachers for me not only for the subjects I studied with you both but for life.It has been a great honor to be his student, and a blessing that will last forever. The teachings of a great professor go with you wherever you go, and I'll try to honor Mr. Skinner following his advices for speeches and life. 
My family expresses our deepest simpathy to you and your family and we are so thankful for his help, support, friendship and beautiful example of life. 
May him rest on the peace of God forever.

My deepest sympathy to Mr. Skinner's family. Mr. Skinner was instrumental in facilitating SAC Online to offer it's first online degree in San Antonio. We needed an online speech course and he supported this when he was department chair. Thank you John.

Dear Mrs. Skinner, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Last fall, I had the honor of being one of the many students your husband taught public speaking. Anyone can relate to the apprehension of talking in front of people, but Dr. Skinner had an encouraging and calming way about him, which made it a little easier. I had to give three speeches, and with each one of them I was a little less nervous and more confident. The skills I aquired through Dr. Skinner's feedback and teachings, are supporting me now in my presentations at the UT Health Science Center School of Nursing. 
Although my class was online, I enjoyed my few conversations with him about the Arts in Germany (my home country). 
Us students were aware of Dr. Skinner's health issues, nevertheless the news of his passing is very upsetting. 
May God bless and strengthen you, Mrs. Skinner and your family. Best regards, Alexandra Gillespie

I will always remember Johns love of teaching. His guidance, opinions, and sense of humor will be missed.

OBITUARY

John Dr. Skinner

August 1, 1949 – April 17, 2012

Porter Loring Mortuary - McCullough

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