JAMES (JIMMIE) SKINNER

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JAMES (JIMMIE) SKINNER In the early hours of July 11, 2007 James (Jimmie) Donald Skinner passed away very peacefully surrounded by his three daughters and one son, in Windsor, ON. Jimmie was born in Selkirk, MB on January 12, 1917. He was predeceased by his parents, James Fredrick, Elizabeth (Bessie); brothers, Gordon, and Morden Huron Lake (Ducky) and his wife Vivian (January 11, 2007). He is survived by his children, Holly (Bernard), Karen, Tess (Irv), Jim Jr. (Jo-ann); grandchildren, Owen, Aaron, Adair, Jimmy; sister-in-law Evelyn and nephews, David and Jeff. His dad, James Senior was instrumental in founding hockey in Selkirk; he instilled a love of the game in all three of his sons. Jimmie progressed quickly with his sharp skills as a forward and a defenseman. His hockey career has been documented as a founding player for the Selkirk Fisherman. He continued his junior career as an all-star with the Winnipeg Rangers, then senior hockey, joining his brother Ducky and they played with the Flin Flon Bombers. It was during this period he played baseball in order to stay in shape. He was an unbelievable left-handed pitcher and home-run hitter. Jimmie was offered a chance to play with the New York Rangers farm team (New York Rovers) but declined the offer, instead signing with the Detroit Red Wings. He started his professional career in Indianapolis and moved on with the Omaha Knights. It was at this time he excelled in a leadership role as Captain / Player Coach playing alongside the notable Gordie Howe. Following a multitude of injuries, he was approached by Jack Adams to coach a new sponsorship team in Windsor, ON (Spitfires). He accepted this role and coached / trained some of hockey's greats...Terry Sawchuk, Al Arbour, Don Cherry, Marcel Pronovost, Wilson Brothers, to name a few. He was proud of the fact that many of his junior players went on to illustrious careers as players, coaches and managers. Jimmie, in off-season worked alongside his brothers and family in the restaurant business (Skinners) in Lockport, MB. It had been started in 1929 by his Father. While working at the business he got the call from Jack Adams to take over as head coach of the Stanley Cup Winner, Detroit Red Wings. In his rookie season he guided Detroit to their seventh consecutive regular season first place finish, culminating in a Stanley Cup victory in the playoffs. The following season he went to the finals again. He also coached three NHL all-star games. After four years of coaching health issues forced him to retire from coaching. However, he moved on in various other capacities such as: Chief Scout, Farm Director continuing as a Manager with the Hamilton Red Wings winning the Memorial Cup in 1962/63. He wore a different hat as Assistant General Manager becoming invaluable because of his knowledge of the NHL by-laws and his ability for picking hockey talent. He was instrumental with his friend, Sam Pollock setting up what we know today as the NHL draft. In the twilight of his hockey career he helped owner and friend, Bruce Norris, by becoming General Manager of Detroit in order to help ease the transition of the sale of the team. He would never work for anyone but the Norris family. Jimmie bled Red Wing Red ! He was inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Sports Hall of Fame, Flin Flon Hall of Fame and in 2006, the Windsor / Essex Sports Hall of Fame. Jimmie had a passion for life and loved people. He kept forever busy driving cars back and forth from Chryslers to the Carlini Body Shop where the camaraderie was A-plus. He enjoyed his weekly visits at Fred's Farm Produce always having the opportunity to rib the staff relentlessly. Jimmie loved socializing with friends and family and any opportunity to get-together with the Creamers at the Lone Fone or to chat with owner, Kenny was welcomed with gusto. Starting in 1945 Jimmie and his family would make the annual trip back to Manitoba, to spend time with family and friends. Vivian and Jim, kids, (their friends) and dogs in tow, spent their summers lakeside at Lester Beach enjoying the beach at their cottage and their ongoing nightly scrabble games. They had a constant array of visitors and never turned anyone away. They both loved to swim in Lake Winnipeg and did so every chance they got...together. There is no doubt that he missed his wife greatly. He had planned his usual foray this year too...but it was not to be. He has left us with an astronomical amount of knowledge, wisdom and the most wonderful stories which I am sure will be cherished by his remaining family for generations. Thank you to the ladies who made Dad's final journey a peaceful one. A special thanks to Gord, Roman and Jim Oram...you're the best. To quote a book title...If They Play Hockey in Heaven...they just received another great player! Friends may call at the WALTER D. KELLY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION CENTRE, 1969 Wyandotte Street East, Windsor, ON on Sunday, July 15, 2007 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Special Olympics or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 14, 2007