James "Bob" R. Skillman

James “Bob” R. Skillman, 91, of Galesburg, died at 2 p.m. at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg. Bob was born January 25, 1920 in Valley Springs, SD the son of Merritt and Inga (Running) Skillman.  He married Helen Terpening on October 8, 1952 in Galesburg.  She preceded him in death on July 8, 2006.  Bob is survived by a son, Jim (Sonya Smith) Skillman of East Galesburg; a daughter, Lori (Steven) Heck of Galva; and four grandchildren, Jeremy and Joshua Skillman and Robert and Rachel Heck.  Bob served as a sergeant in the US Army during WWII serving in 5 battle campaigns in Europe.  He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus Father J.O. Hunt Council 556, Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285, and VFW Post #2257, Galesburg.  Bob first worked as a sales person for Swift & CO. and later Haehnel Birdoes, both in Galesburg, retiring after 51 years. As a die-hard fan of the Chicago Cubs and Bears, Bob took great joy in needling St. Louis Cardinal fans. Funeral Mass will be 2 p.m. Tuesday September 13, 2011 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Msgr. Ernest Pizzamiglio officiating.  Burial will follow in Knoxville Cemetery, Knoxville.  Visitation will be Tuesday from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at Watson Funeral Home, Galesburg.  Memorials may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council 556.