John Skinner — a pilot who leveraged his travel experience in his 2nd “career,” as co-founder with his wife Jeri of Builders Beyond Borders — died Friday evening, from complications of a fall the day after Christmas. Surrounded by family, after a happy day of sharing memories and music with loved ones, he was 80 years old.
A native of San Jose, California, he grew up in Sacramento. John joined the Navy at age 18, and served as a fighter pilot for 12 years. He met his future wife Jeri at the Officers’ Club at Moffett Field. Their sons Christian and Craig were both born on February 9 — though 2 years apart.
After the Navy, John continued his flying career as a captain for Pan American Airways. The Skinners moved to Westport so he could be based out of New York. With Pan Am he flew to Beirut, Johannesburg, London, Moscow, Rio de Janeiro, Tel Aviv and Tokyo. John finished his career with Delta Airlines, after their acquisition of Pan Am.
John Skinner
John loved flying and anything with an engine, especially cars. He enjoyed attending car races with Chris. His son’s friends used to line up their cars in the driveway so John could fix them.
Following retirement John, Jeri and Craig led Kingdom Builders and Builders Beyond Borders. He put his handyman skills to use building and repairing homes, clinics and daycare centers for the less fortunate. John and his family assembled groups of teens to travel to places like Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Honduras. Over 1,700 teenagers participated in these programs.
John leaves his wife of 57 years, Jeri; his son Christian and wife Tammy; his son Craig and wife Elizabeth; 4 grandchildren, and his French bulldog Winston.
In recent years John suffered from Parkinson’s disease but always kept a positive attitude. The effects of the disease contributed to his fall. In keeping with John’s generous nature, he donated his body to Yale University for research purposes.
John has requested that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
A celebration of John’s life will be held this Wednesday (January 18, 3 p.m.) at Southport Congregational Church.
He sounds like an incredible person! My condolences to his family.
A major one of the several contributors to our Westport sons and daughters that experienced that special Skinner interest and generousity in the recognition of others in other countries where life was far from easy. A genuine good person.
A life well-led! – Chris Woods
Clear skies, smooth air and tailwinds forever, Captain John!
John was a wonderful man who did many amazing things in his life. We remember him fondly during the times our kids were involved in Builders.
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing, he was a great guy. Condolences to his family.
All the neighborhood kids gathered at the Skinners. She was a Den Mom for Cub Scouts and a collective retreat for us all was the Skinner home by the beach. A lot of the kids came from tough homes (more or less wealthy, but tough in the sense they were dysfunctional) and we could all escape there. Very fond memories of the family and here is to you and yours. Peace.
Thank you Dan,
For posting such a beautiful tribute to my father.