John "Jack" Skidmore

John Edward Skidmore passed away peacefully Jan 20, 2024 at 97 years and 6 months in Columbus Indiana.  Jack was born to Isaac and Edith Skidmore July 13, 1926.  Jack was an only child and grew up in Bright, Indiana. He received his GED and diploma from Bright High School. He met the love of his life Doris Mae Van Winkle and they married in 1942.

He worked in construction until he was drafted into the Army in November of 1943. Jack served in the Railsplitters, 334 Infantry, 84th Division in World War II in Germany until the end of the war. While serving he represented the Army on a competitive basketball team. Once he was flown out to an aircraft carrier to play. He said that trying to shoot a basket while the ship was rocking and rolling was quite the experience. He also played baseball, fast pitch softball and pitched horseshoes in the Army. After the war Jack used his GI Bill to enroll in New York Tech to study electronics. He earned his Associate’s Degree while driving a milk route and working a construction job. After graduation he worked for the Harrison Western Auto store repairing televisions and appliances. In 1951 he opened Skidmore TV with 4 employees. In 1962 he opened Harrison Appliances and Furniture. His son John who graduated from New York Tech worked with him until Jack retired in his late 80s.

Jack loved to play sports and excelled at golf which he played into his 90s; and tennis into his 80s. He played softball into his 50s and pitched horseshoes. He loved to fish and went to Spanish, Ontario, Canada to fish until he was 95.  He was also devoted to his family. After Sunday dinner there was always a pickup game of basketball, baseball or badminton. The family took camping trips west and east including Nova Scotia. During their marriage Jack and Doris traveled to Europe, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, Hawaii, Central America and the Caribbean islands. They also enjoyed many cruises.

He was a member of Bright Methodist Church and served on the Church Board.  After Jack and Doris moved to Harrison they attended The Church of Christ.  While living in Columbus Indiana, he attended Ogilville Community Church. He also watched his Grandson Rev. Mark Gabbard’s service on his IPad.

Jack will be deeply missed but leaves a legacy in surviving family members:  daughters  Carolyn Gabbard (Larry), Kathy Strohm (Gary), Cynthia Smith, sons John Skidmore, David Skidmore, 17 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren and 19 great great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his loving wife of 68 years Doris Skidmore, daughter Judith Kirchgassner and his parents Edith and Isaac Skidmore.

Visitation will be Friday January 26, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until time of funeral services at 12:00 p.m. at Jackman Hensley Funeral Home, 215 East Broadway Street, Harrison, Ohio 45030. Military graveside services conducted by United States Army and Harrison Honor Guard will be held at Glen Haven Cemetery in Harrison, Ohio.