James Stephen Skelton, Jr., 91 of Rexburg, died Thursday, January 9, 2014 at his home of causes incident to age. He was born March 8, 1922 in Rexburg, Idaho to James Steven Skelton, Sr. And Eleanor "Ella" Jacobs Skelton.

In his youth, he developed a great love of music that began when he took lessons from his mother. This developed into a gift that he shared with different bands through school days, military service and most of his adult life. As a young man he shared work responsibilities with his brothers in their father's meat market.

He attended Rexburg schools, graduating from Madison High School in 1940. Afterwards, he worked for the Rexburg Lumber Company before attending Ricks College.

In 1942 he enlisted in the US Navy and served during World War II. He was discharged in 1945.

Jim married Margie Williams on July 26, 1946. She died in March of 1994. He married Beth Reese in March of 1995 and she died in June of 2008.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Elks Club and was a supporting member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Jim enjoyed fishing, golf, crossword puzzles, spending time with his family and caring for his cats.

He is survived by his daughter; Tonya Claybaugh and step-daughters; Janice (Tom) Dixon, Kathy (Bob) Dansie, Nancy (Ted) Whyte, Candis (Mike) Bischoff, 20 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, two brothers and two wives.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 13 at the Flamm Funeral Home, 61 North 1st East in Rexburg. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, with military rites, will be in the Rexburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars or the 4 Paws animal adoption program.