James Skelton

James Ralph Skelton NORTHPORT James Ralph Skelton, age 85, of Northport, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2013. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park with Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home North directing. Visitation will be tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lorraine Dean Skelton; his grandson, James Justin Skelton; his parents, Mary Eveline and Newton Oscar Skelton; two brothers; and one sister. He is survived by his wife, Mildred Owen Skelton; his son, Tommy Skelton (Denese) of Mobile; his grandson, Andy Skelton (Jennifer) of Moundville; his great-grandchildren, Noah, Jonah, and Bellah Skelton; his stepsons, Robert Owen (Gloria) and Charles Owen; his stepdaughter, Barbara Hood (Ron); his step-grandchildren, Cyndi Tyson (Laramie), Patti Owen, Jennifer Frith (Buster), Katherine Owen, and Rebecca Meyers (Leo); and his step-great-grandchildren, Laramie Blake Tyson, Ashlynn Williams, and Wilson, Emily, and Audrey Frith. Mr. Skelton was born June 12, 1927, in Craig, Colorado. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. Many people will remember him as the locksmith and owner of Skelton's Lock and Key. He spent the last years of his life at the VA Medical Center. The family expresses their love and appreciation to the staff at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Tuscaloosa Disabled American Veterans Chapter 1 or the 8183 General Purpose Fund at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center.