- Date Of Birth: January 25, 1920
- Date Of Death: September 9, 2011
- State: Illinois
James “Bob” R. Skillman, 91, of Galesburg, died at 2 p.m. at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.
Bob was born January 25, 1920 in Valley Springs, SD the son of Merritt and Inga (Running) Skillman. He married Helen Terpening on October 8, 1952 in Galesburg. She preceded him in death on July 8, 2006. Bob is survived by a son, Jim (Sonya Smith) Skillman of East Galesburg; a daughter, Lori (Steven) Heck of Galva; and four grandchildren, Jeremy and Joshua Skillman and Robert and Rachel Heck.
Bob served as a sergeant in the US Army during WWII serving in 5 battle campaigns in Europe. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus Father J.O. Hunt Council 556, Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285, and VFW Post #2257, Galesburg. Bob first worked as a sales person for Swift & CO. and later Haehnel Birdoes, both in Galesburg, retiring after 51 years.
As a die-hard fan of the Chicago Cubs and Bears, Bob took great joy in needling St. Louis Cardinal fans.
