Jim Skaggs

Jim Skaggs, 68, passed away on October 19, 2019. He was born on August 24, 1951, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Gene and Dorothy Skaggs.

Jim always lived in the Kansas City area and graduated from Ruskin High School. After high school, he attended trade school to become a pipefitter. He was with the Pipefitters Local 533 Union here in Kansas City. Jim loved animals, especially dogs and horses. He would rescue animals often and give them a great home. He had two foreign exchange students that lived with him after he retired and he loved every minute of it. Taking them to high school games and listening to Moe play the piano were among his favorite memories. Small town, country living was what Jim loved. The quiet, slower pace was peaceful to him. Jim dabbled in various hobbies after retirement, a lot of them only for a short time before trying his hand at something new. He fished, did some woodworking, but his passion was boating. He and his family would go to Lake of the Ozarks often, to the Westport Yacht Club, and get on their boat “Dram-Bouy” for time on the water together. He enjoyed driving the boat and relaxing in the sun with a drink in his hand.

His wife and kids will miss his sense of humor most, as he was always the life of the party and full of sarcastic comebacks and jokes. He truly was funny and so fun to be around. He had a nickname for everyone, very rarely calling anyone by their actual name. And it was not unusual to find him chatting with strangers about pretty much anything.

Jim’s kids are grateful for all he did for them, and their deep sense of knowing that he would always be there for them no matter the situation. He really loved spending time with his family whether it be going out to dinner, boating at the lake, or playing board games at home. They enjoyed their annual Christmas Eve dinners.  Family was everything to him and he always took the chance to show it. He loved them all so much. A special thank you to Jim’s wife, Marsha, for taking such good care of him especially in the last couple years.

True to form, Jim never turned down an opportunity to help someone in need. After his death, his family learned that he had signed up to be an organ donor many years ago and he was eligible to donate his corneas. While he never shared this wish with his family, it was no surprise as that is just the kind of man he was - he never looked for praise or recognition. Jim never wanted anyone to worry about him, even in the last days of his life.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Dorothy Skaggs.

Jim is survived by his wife, Marsha Skaggs; children, Jason (Krista) Skaggs, Jimmy Skaggs, Niki (Jon) Long; grandchildren, Jack, Natalie, and Michaela; and many other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 6-8 PM on Tuesday, October 29, at Longview Funeral Home, 12700 SE Raytown Rd, Kansas City, MO 64149.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sarah Cannon Cancer Fund, https://sarahcannon.com/about/sarah-cannon-fund.dot