James “Jim” E. Skiba

On Monday, October 16th 2017, at the age of 86, the family lost, “the leader of their band.”  Jim Skiba was born February 20, 1931 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  He was the first born to August and Josephine (nee Janas) Skiba where he grew up with younger brother Donald and younger sister Gloria Rasner.

Music was always a big part of his life.   He was a very talented musician, playing several instruments including the piano, clarinet, and saxophone.   In the early 50’s, Jim joined the Army and became a sergeant who played in what they called the Jeep Band, a band which always performed while driving around in Jeeps, except for the time they played for President Eisenhower where they stood for him.  After he left the Army, Jim continued his musical career when he took a job working in a music store.  He eventually became the owner of his own store, Bay Music Center.  Later in life, he discovered a love for singing as well.  Jim sang in church choirs, performed in community theater productions, was a cantor at church, and even sang in the weddings of his daughters.

He had several hobbies and enjoyed many activities.  Some of his favorites were playing nightly Yatzhee games with his wife, bingo, puzzles, watching the Packers and the Brewers, and the occasional casino trip.  He was also known for his exceptional woodworking abilities, designing and building numerous items for family and friends over the years.

In 1954, Jim met his wife Sharon (nee Stirdivant) at the drugstore where she was working  as a waitress  He stopped in frequently for lunch since he worked at the music store across the street.  She finally asked him out and on their first date they went to a Milwaukee Braves game and the rest was history.  On November 17, 1956, Jim married the love of his life and they proceeded to have 8 children, Sharilee, Shawn (James) Dauer, Eric (Mary Novak), James (Tom Kroscher), Samantha (Bob) Austin, Sara (the late Shawn) O’Neill, Glenn, and Brent.  He also leaves behind 7 grandchildren, Danielle and Joseph Dauer, Gabriella, Cassandra, Mikayla, and Will Austin and Logan Skiba, whom he loved dearly.  He is further survived by family members and friends.

We love you, miss you and will never forget you.

Visitation will be held at St. Martin Of Tours Church, 7963 South 116th Street, Franklin, Wisconsin on Saturday, October 21, 2017, 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM.  Funeral service at 11:00 AM.  Burial will be held privately.

The family would like to thank the staff at Clement Zablocki VA hospital for their loving care and support of James and his family during a very difficult time.