EDITOR’S NOTEÂ The following was put together by Ross Smith with contributions from family members and friends.
John Lloyd Skipper Jr. was born in New Smyrna Beach, Florida on Sept. 26, 1932, barely three years after the start of the Great Depression.
After losing the family business, John’s father started over by helping build one of the biggest Army training bases during World War II. His dad also developed a 60-unit trailer park for Army trainers, where he often left his young son, John Jr., in charge, when he was away. This instilled in John a sense of self-sufficiency, and caring for others, that continued throughout his life.
John put himself through college at the University of Florida, marrying, and fathering three boys before graduating. A “Big 8” CPA accounting firm quickly snatched him up and moved him into management early on.
He first worked in Miami, leading engagements there, and in the Caribbean. He relocated many times, helping companies in Hawaii, Washington DC, Hawaii (again) and then back to Florida, often as CFO. It was in Hawaii where he met and married Joni, his lasting love, and they decided to settle in Lincoln City, Oregon. In 1992, John reinvented himself by becoming a realtor, and joined Taylor & Taylor Realty in 1993.
His life of public service began in 1995 serving on the local LCBR Governmental Affairs Committee for four years. During this time, he also served on OAR’s Land Use, Political Action, and Governmental Affairs Committees for several years. In 1999, John was voted Realtor of the Year by his colleagues. He served as the local RPAC Representative from 2000 through 2004.
In 1998, John served on and chaired Lincoln City’s Urban Renewal Advisory Board for four years, and the Budget and Transient Room Tax Committees for three years each. He also chaired the Planning Commission for many years. In 2002, John ran for Lincoln City mayor, but lost in a tight, yet well fought, race.
John was accomplished at starting over, having learned to be resilient throughout life’s successes, failures and tragedies. He often knew what had to be done, how to get it done, and was determined enough to see things through. He was an optimistic-realist, a wise and kind-hearted tough-guy that people could count on to help, and do the right thing in so many situations.
John passed away at 2:50 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Beaverton, following a surgical procedure. Those remembering John include his brother Stan, his sister Frances Carroll, his namesake son John L. Skipper III, and his daughter Janice, who moved to Lincoln City to live with her dad to enjoy his later years.
A remembrance of John’s life was held on Sunday, July 29, at 2 p.m., at St. James/Santiago Episcopal Church, 2490 NE Highway 101 in Lincoln City, where John was an active member of the vestry for over 20 years.
John’s “retirement” celebration of life, hosted by Taylor & Taylor Realty Co, was held on Sunday, August 5th, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Eden Hall (next to the Side Door Cafe) at 6675 Gleneden Beach Loop, in Gleneden Beach.
