James F. Skalla

Born: May 1, 1930

Died: February 19, 2013

James F. Skalla, 82, of Niles, Mich., died Tuesday evening at his home of natural causes.

He was born in Niles on May 1, 1930 to William C. and Martha (Woda) Skalla and was a lifelong Niles resident. Mr. Skalla worked at Niles Precision Company for 60 years and was the president for over 30 years. He served in both the U.S. Army and the National Guard. He was a past director of the former Greater Niles Economic Development Foundation (now SMEGA).

James was a member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Niles. He was one of the founding directors of Niles National Bank, which later became American National Bank until its acquisition by Old Kent, where he also served as a director.

On April 11, 1953 in Niles, he married the former Betty D. Womack, who survives. Also surviving are his daughter, Karen (Eric) Vinnedge, and sons Jay (Cecilia) Skalla and Thomas (Shonna) Skalla all of Niles. He was preceded in death by his youngest son Robert. He is also survived by ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The Mass of Christian Burial for James F. Skalla will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church by the Rev. David Otto of the parish.  Committal Rites will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 4 until 8 p.m. on Friday at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with a Rosary Service at 7:30 p.m. by Rev. Otto.  Contributions in memory of Mr. Skalla may be made to the donor’s choice or The Christian Service Center, 322 Clay Street, Niles MI 49120.