James Leroy Skalitzky, Jr.

James L. Skalitzky Jr., 89 of Platte City, MO passed away on Thursday April 10, 2014 at the Missouri Veterans Home, Cameron, MO.

He was born on January 23, 1925 to James Leroy, Sr. and Mildred Ione Skalitzky in Kansas City, MO where he grew up and graduated high school.  Jim then served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II in the 41^st Infantry Division.  His service led him to New Guinea, the Southern Philippines and Japan during the Army of Occupation.

He was united in marriage to Rachel Gutierrez.  After their marriage they found their way to Platte City, MO making it their home in 1963.  His wife passed away in September 1999.

Jim worked as a chemist at ADM Flour Mill in Kansas City.  He was a mechanic at KCI Airport, an Airframe Powerplant mechanic and small plane pilot.   He enjoyed tinkering and repairing technical and electronic equipment.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, brother, Tom Skalitzky, two sisters, Margaret McDonald and Betty Nichols, and daughter-in-law Terry Skalitzky.

Jim is survived by his children, James Leroy Skalitzky III, Liberty, MO, Ellie Grimmett and husband Randy, Lathrop, MO, Ben Skalitzky and wife Terri, Lee’s Summit, MO,  Pilar Cobb and husband Clark, Cataula, GA; eight grandchildren; one great-grandson; sister, Harriet Eiche and husband Carl, Frankfort ,Indiana; sister-in-law, Edie Skalitzky, Goodman, MO; other relatives and many friends.

Memorial Service:  11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 19, 2014 at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville, MO.

Memorials may be made to the Cameron Veterans Assistance League, 1111 Euclid, Cameron, MO 64429.