James Aubrey “Shorty” Skinner, 78, of Silsbee, died Saturday, February 15, 2014. A native and lifelong resident of Silsbee, he was born on August 16, 1935, to Gladys Plummer Skinner and Ivor Skinner.

James was a Right of Way Agent for the State of Texas and later owned and operated Skinner Engineering. He was a charter member and was ordained at the age of 25 at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Silsbee. James served as a Deacon at Good Shepherd Baptist Church and First Baptist Church, Silsbee.

James is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Jeff Hatton Skinner; sons, Scott Skinner and his wife, Patricia, of Silsbee and Shawn Skinner of Beaumont; grandsons, Zachary Skinner of Livingston and Joshua Skinner of Houston; great-grandson, Noah Skinner of Livingston; siblings, Donald Skinner and his wife, Gloria, of Tallahassee, Florida; Joanne McFarland and her husband, R.C., of Lumberton; and Douglas Skinner and his wife, Barbara, of The Woodlands; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Jeannie Bell and Dorothy Cooley.

A gathering of Mr. Skinner’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Monday, February 17, 2014, at Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee. His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 18, 2014, at First Baptist Church, 350 Highway 96 South, Silsbee, with interment to follow at Allison Cemetery, Warren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, New York 10016 or to a charity of one’s choice.