James Skelton, 72, of Columbus, IN, formally of Fort Branch, IN, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016 at Columbus Regional Hospital.

He was born to the late Roger and Lillian (Ayers) Skelton on June 11, 1944 in Princeton, IN.

Jim graduated from Princeton High School and entered into the U.S. Airforce where he served for 8 years. He received the Airforce accommodation medal while serving in southeast Asia.  Upon his return he began to work for Alcoa and retired in 2012 after 37 years of service.  Jim also owed Before and After Upholstery in Fort Branch, IN.  He was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, and the Fort Branch VFW Post # 2714.  Jim loved his wife, his children and their families.  He enjoyed working on cars, especially his 1939 Ford Coupe.  He also loved to tinker in his garage, and woodworking.

Besides his parents Jim is also preceded in death by his in-laws, Darwin and Elsie Kuester.

Jim was a devoted husband to Ramona (Kuester) Skelton, whom he married on June 13, 1970.  He was father to James Darwin (Staci) Skelton and Whitney (Jason) Wilbur.  Dadgran to Jadelin, Garrett, and Gabe Skelton, and Lillian Wilbur, and Garrison Robert Wilbur who is expected on January of 2017, all who survive him.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be on Wed. Dec. 21, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. at the Stodghill Funeral Home, with Rev. Cory Atkins will  officiate.  The Fort Branch VFW Post # 2714 and Haubstadt American Legion Post # 194 will conducted Military Rites at the funeral home.  Burial will be at a later date.  Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until service time on Wed. Dec. 21, 2016 at the funeral home.