James Leigh Skinner IV

James Leigh Skinner IV, age 87, passed on Saturday, April 19 at Atrium Hospice in Monroe, NC. He was Born March 25, 1939, in Durham County, NC to the late Leigh and Sally Skinner. He was the oldest of three children.

James “Leigh” Skinner IV married Margaret Rose Rigdon on December 15, 1960, in Chapel Hill, NC. His wife and both siblings preceded him in death.

He is survived by his children Elizabeth, Katherine, Jennifer, and James; thirteen grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Leigh and his wife spent the first ten years of marriage travelling the US, frequently camping in assorted parks in Canada and the US including Alaska. They lived in California for two years and Boston for two years, where Leigh earned an MBA from Harvard University, before moving back to North Carolina. They settled in Charlotte in 1970 where they raised their family. In 2013, they moved to their farm in Waxhaw, NC. Leigh was a skilled businessman but found his greatest joy in time with his family. He was a remarkable husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who spent his evenings and weekends at dance recitals, swim meets, baseball games, basketball games, soccer games and school programs. Leigh had many interests, including duplicate bridge, fishing, skiing, and hosting family vacations. He enjoyed many laughs and conversations with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren over a good meal. During his 37 years of retirement, he enjoyed researching family history, American Contract Bridge League tournaments, and loved to travel, including cruises through the Panama Canal, to the Bahamas, and to Alaska.

In lieu of flowers, on behalf of Leigh, the family would appreciate donations to Hospice of Union County.