Skeels, James H. 1863-1920

SKEELS, COLE, CASE, COOLEY

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 11/12/2013 at 12:00:06

The Grinnell (IA) Herald
Friday, February 13, 1920

JAMES H. SKEELS DIES
--------------------
Well Known Citizen and Mason Joins
the Innumerable Caravan.
--------------------
HAD LIVED IN AND
NEAR GRINNELL 57 YEARS
--------------------
Passed Away Feb. 11 Aged Nearly
Fifty-Seven Years.
--------------------

Many warm friends are mourning this week the death of James H. Skeels, who passed away at St. Francis hospital about 4:30 o'clock Wednesday morning, Feb. 11. Mr. Skeels had been ill for about two weeks from influenza and pneumonia, battling with heroic vigor against the grip of the disease. His condition was early pronounced serious and his children were summoned and they were here a week before his death came.

James H. Skeels was born near Grinnell March 20, 1863, his parents being Leander W. and Jane Cole Skeels. Dec. 24, 1883, he was united in marriage with Ida M. Case. Four children were born to this union, one son, Lloyd Ernest, dying in infancy. The others William Roy, of Chicago, Ethel May, Mrs. W.L. Cooley, of Albia, and Earl H. of this city.

Mr. and Mrs. Will Skeels and Mr. and Mrs. W.L. Cooley have all been here, and with the loving wife, and Mr. and Mrs. Earl Skeels, have all hoped against hope for his recovery.

Mr. Skeels was a man whom you liked better the longer you knew him. Quiet, industrious and affable he made friends everywhere. He was an active and enthusiastic Mason and has ably filled the chairs both in Hermon Lodge and in the Royal Arch Masons.

The funeral occurs at 2:30 today. At the home a short service will be conducted by Rev. W.C. Wasser. The Masons will have charge of the burial service at the cemetery.