Carl Donald Skidmore Jr.

Carl Donald Skidmore Jr., 53, of Jacksonville, Florida passed away on September 11, 2014 after a brief illness. He was born in Cumberland, Maryland and began his career in the USAF - Space/Satellite Communications at the 1st Aerospace Comm Group, Strategic Air Command Hdq, NE. During this time he also earned his FCC license. After his tour with the USAF, he was recruited to work at a newly formed company, MCI Communications, where he was a Network Engineer/Team Lead/Quality Inspector for North/Central Florida. Soon after he joined MCI, he was recognized as one of the top 100 employees of the company for his outstanding contributions and was presented the Excellence in Service award by the founder and Chairman of the Board of the company. The next phase of his career took him to Broadcast Engineering with WJXT and Gannett Broadcast WTLV/WJXX.

Carl dearly loved his family and was very devoted to them. He was truly the definition of what a "dad" should be and a wonderful role model for sons to emulate. He loved his grandson, who he fondly called "little buddy", spending all his free time taking our little guy on new adventures or going on tractor rides in the backyard. He and Terry loved to travel and they spent their weekends away and also enjoyed planning and going on trips with the "whole family" He was very humble and most people didn't know he was an instructor and expert in the Martial Arts, with Black Belts in Hapkido, Tae Kwan Do and American Kenpo. He instructed athletes and members of the police force, but his real joy came from working with children with disabilities.

Carl is preceded in death by his dad Carl Donald Skidmore, Sr , his grandparents, Carl & Agnes Skidmore, his aunt Sue Skidmore and wife's parents, Robert & Aloisia DesRosiers. He is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years Terry (Theresia), whom he adored, his sons Jeffrey & Joseph and is also survived by his "little buddy" and shadow, his beloved grandson Caden. Other survivors are his siblings Michael Timothy (Tecora) Skidmore, Brenda (Pat) Ostinowsky,Tracie (Dana) Plish, Mary DesRosiers (Bill) Lincoln and Hank DesRosiers. His beloved "mom" LeEsta Skidmore and his nieces and nephews, Danielle, Stephanie, Andy, Jason, Timmy, Jeff and Ilea, his aunt and uncle John & Meme Skidmore and cousins.
Carl never met a stranger and will always be remembered for his ready smile, positively, strength, compassion and especially his sense of humor. He always put others before himself and will truly be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.

Memorial services will be at St. Pauls Catholic Church-Riverside, Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at 3:30.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in his name to American Cancer Society.