James Wayne (“Jim”) Skinner, age 77, passed away on July 21, 2024, in Olathe, KS, surrounded by his devoted family. 

Jim was born in Kansas City, KS on June 12, 1947, to Andrew E. Skinner, Jr., and Mary Rose (Rockers) Skinner.  Jim spent his childhood in Kansas City, KS, where he attended Christ the King Catholic School.  His family later moved to Gladstone, MO, where Jim graduated from St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School and then St. Pius X High School in 1965.  

Jim excelled at academics, the arts, and athletics.  In his early life, he acted and sang in numerous plays and productions.  He also played basketball, and his love of basketball continued through college.  After high school, Jim attended Sacred Heart College in Wichita, KS, on a basketball scholarship.  He graduated from the University of Missouri in Kansas City in 1970, with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. 

While he was in college, Jim met his lifelong love of almost 54 years, Carol Ann Bello of Kansas City, KS.  Jim and Carol were married in August of 1970 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.  In the years to follow, Jim became the proud and loving father of two daughters, Mary Carolyn Skinner of Lenexa, KS, and Catherine Ann (John) McKiniry of Indian Land, South Carolina.  Jim was also thrilled to become “Grandpa Jim” to his beloved granddaughter, Caroline McKiniry, the absolute joy of Jim’s life.

Jim’s focus in life was always his family.  He was a devoted father, who helped his daughters practice their sports, coached his daughters’ sports teams, helped them with schoolwork, and drove the daily carpool.  Jim was always there to listen, to advise and to encourage them wholeheartedly in all they did.  Jim and Carol built a family life filled with love and adventure.  Jim loved to travel and experience new things, including visits to all 50 states plus countries all over the world.  Each family road trip resulted in memorable and often funny adventures that resulted in laughs and stories to tell for years to come. 

Jim began his employment with Burroughs Corporation after graduating from college, and he was quickly promoted, moving throughout the United States to explore different career opportunities. After years of experience in business, Jim became a business owner.  He formed two companies in Kansas City: Santa Fe Business Systems and Forms for Less.  Owning his own businesses led to Jim’s interest in computers, and his attainment of advanced Information Technology certifications.  Jim spent the remainder of his career in Information Technology, eventually retiring as a Unix System Administrator for the University of Kansas Hospital in 2009. 

Throughout his life, Jim wanted to help other people.  Jim was a member of the first Parish Council at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Olathe, and he served the community for years as a member of the Knights of Columbus.  He was a founding member and Grand Knight of the Prince of Peace of Olathe Knights of Columbus #7909, a member of the Holy Trinity of Lenexa Knights of Columbus Council of Palms #6673, and a charter member of the Holy Trinity of Lenexa Knights of Columbus St. John Assembly #3567 Fourth Degree and Color Honor Brigade.  He also spent several years volunteering for Heart to Heart International.

Jim’s love of all types of music and the arts continued in his later years.  He enjoyed acting and singing in his baritone/lead voice.  He was a member of the Olathe Community Chorus, sang at church and always sang around the house.  Jim was a very proud member of the Overland Park Barbershop Society, the Trails West Chorus in Olathe, and the Barbershop Harmony Society.  

Jim also continued his lifelong joy of participation in sports.  He played basketball in a league at the Lenexa Senior Center, and he golfed as a charter member of the Shawnee Golf Course and member of the Falcon Valley Golf Course. 

Over the last few years, Jim fought a hard battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a form of Parkinson’s.  He dealt with this illness without complaint and with the same grace and fighting spirit that he displayed his whole life.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Linda Skinner.  He is survived by his wife Carol Skinner and daughter Mary “Carrie” Skinner of Lenexa, KS, his daughter Catherine “Katie” McKiniry, son-in-law John McKiniry, and granddaughter Caroline McKiniry of Indian Land, SC, his brother Michael Skinner of Gladstone, MO, his brother Donald Skinner of Phoenix, AZ, and his sister Andrea DiRaimo of Kansas City, MO. 

Jim will be remembered with overwhelming love by his family and his friends.  He was an amazing husband, father, brother, and friend, and truly the life of the party.  His heartfelt smile, his jovial laugh, and his gentle, kind and giving spirit will never leave the memories of his loved ones.  He lived his life to the fullest and treated others as he would want to be treated.  His family, friends, and all of those who were around him are better because he was in this world.  He will always be missed.

Jim’s family would like to especially thank Claridge Court in Prairie Village, Evergreen Community in Olathe, and Ascend Hospice for their care of Jim in the last few years. 

A remembrance of Jim’s life will take place during a 9:30 am visitation, followed by a 10:30 am Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church at 13615 W. 92^nd Street, Lenexa, KS 66215 on August 12, 2024.  A private burial will take place at Gate of Heaven in Kansas City, KS at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Cure PSP Foundation at psp.org.