Jasper D. Skinner I, 91, Lincoln, NE, died Friday (1-14-11). Born on October 16, 1919 on the family farm just outside of Ainsworth, Nebraska to Albert Washington & Mary Ellen Skinner, Jasper was the second youngest of six children. He grew up during the Great Depression which deeply and positively affected his world view: he was a life-long conservation activist, donating both time and funds to many causes. He was also a master of recycling and finding new & interesting uses for various items to keep them out of the landfills.
His parents instilled in him (and all his siblings) a tremendous sense of civic duty at an early age. Jasper joined the Boy Scouts as soon as he was able, eventually achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, a source of pride for his parents, who made sure he was able to attend the First National Jamboree in Washington DC in 1937 despite the financial challenges of that era. His memories of his time in the Scouts became a main the topic of conversation with his granddaughter Cliti’s two great-grandsons, who are themselves proud members of the Boys Scouts of America. Faith was also a central part of his life, and was a continuing comfort to him over the years.
He graduated high school in Ainsworth, NE, and although there was no money for college right away, he was able to attain his undergraduate degree while he was in the service, using personal leave and utilizing the six month Operation Boot Strap program. Education was heavily emphasized by his mother; three of his siblings became educators and shortly after graduation Jasper married a future elementary school teacher Marilyn Fawn Thompson. They were wed on June 20, 1946 and stayed together until her passing in 1984. Jasper & Marilyn instilled the same value of education to their two children Jasper Dale Skinner, II & Madonna M. R. Skinner, with Jasper achieving a PhD in Entomology and Madonna becoming both a doctor and a lawyer, graduating with a Juris Doctorate and a PhD in Pharmacy.
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Jasper enlisted with the United States Army Air Corps, which would eventually become the United States Air Force. He had a keen interest in flying, and after graduating from pilot training on May 23rd, 1943 he was assigned to the 5th Air Force, serving his country via 44 combat missions, ‘island hopping’ over the Pacific in WWII. He flew the giant bombers, with a particular emphasis & pride in the B-24 Liberators. Serving for 24 years in the USAF, he achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel and was highly decorated, receiving all of the following during his career:
Distinguished Flying Cross; Air Medal, 4 Oak Leaf Cluster; Air Force Commendation; Army Commendation, Presidential Unit citation; Good Conduct Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal; 6 Battle Stars; American Defense Service Medal; Philippine Liberation medal, 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Reserve Officers medal, with hour glass; Philippine President Unit Citation; Air Defense Command Distinguished Education Award.
During his time in the service he had the opportunity to live in such diverse locations as the Philippines, Morocco, Greenland, and was even stationed in Roswell, New Mexico during the ‘UFO Incident’ in 1947 (although he insisted he was on vacation at the time). He has authored several short pieces and books of his years in the service; the diary that he kept during WWII was transcribed and entered into the Nebraska State Historical Society archives in 1998. Other of his works are also archived in the NSHS.
After the war, he and Marilyn decided it was time to return home. They purchased a plot of land in a brand new development on the outskirts of Lincoln, just southwest of what is now 56th & O. This would be his home for the rest of his life. This is also where his youngest granddaughter Blaze would spend most of her life, allowing her the best of both worlds.
Jasper Dale Skinner, I. passed away on the morning of Friday, January 14th 2011 due to complications from pulmonary fibrosis. His granddaughter Blaze was at his bedside when he passed, along with two of his many friends & companions Tracy Nelson and Eric McHargue. He was 91.
He is proceeded in death by his mother and father Mary Ellen & Albert Washington Skinner, his three brothers Bruce, Donald and Gerald Skinner, his two sisters Marvel Bearg & Janice Myers and his daughter Madonna M.R. Skinner.
He is survived by his son & daughter-in-law Jasper and Ethel Skinner, their children Cliti and Robert Shafer (Skinner), great-grandsons Quentin and Alexandar, and granddaughter Blaze Skinner.
In accordance with his wishes, there will be no formal services.
In lieu of remembrances, please consider a donation to one of the many charities he supported: American Lung Association, American Diabetes Association, North Shore Animal League, National Audubon Society, or American Indian College Fund.
No Services. No Visitation/Cremation.