Jimmie Don Skillen passed away in Cheney, Kansas, on Thursday, October 13, 2022. He was 87 years old.

“Jim” was born in Norwich, Kansas, on February 13, 1935. He was the son of Glenn and Mabel Skillen. He graduated from Norwich High School in 1953 where he was a fine student and athlete. He attended Pittsburg State University and played football there, lettering for three years and serving as team captain his senior year.

On September 7, 1957, he married Karlene Smith. They were married nearly 62 years before her passing in 2019. In 1960 Jim and Karlene had a son, James David. In 1961 a second son, Bradley Kent, was born.

Jim farmed in the Norwich area. He taught high school math and coached. The last 30 years of his teaching career were at Sedgwick High School in Sedgwick, Kansas. He was an entertaining and engaging teacher and maintained a relationship with a number of former students throughout his life. Jim enjoyed watching his sons participate in sports as they grew. He also spent many days hunting and fishing and working on the farm with his two boys. In his later years, Jimmie Don loved being around his grandchildren. He and Karlene hosted numerous family and friends at their summer residence in Alpine, Colorado.

Jim was active in several churches: Norwich United Methodist Church, First Baptist Church of Norwich, Rock Port United Methodist Church, and Alpine Community Church. He loved to sing in the choir and visit with fellow members.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife and parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Nettie (Tom) Benson, Mountain Home, Arkansas; his brother and sister-in-law, Bob (Jessie) Skillen, Norwich, Kansas; his daughter-in-law, Eileen Skillen, Wichita, Kansas; and a grandson, Todd Jones, Wichita, Kansas.

He is survived by his sons, Jim (Amy) Skillen, Rock Port, Missouri, and Brad Skillen, Wichita, Kansas. His remaining grandchildren are Kim (Clint) Hill, Phoenix, Arizona, Max (Morgan) Skillen, Wichita, Mika Skillen, Wichita, and Darius, Bannack, and Malachi Skillen, Rock Port.

Memorials can be made to Norwich United Methodist Church or the First Baptist Church of Norwich.