Dr. James “Jim” Thomas Skeen died unexpectedly on Sunday, January 27, 2019. A ceremony to celebrate his life is planned for Thursday, January 31 at 5:00 PM at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Southern Pines, NC, with a visitation to follow.
Jim leaves behind his wife, Salley Boyles Skeen; sons Sam and Alexander Skeen, step-son Jeffrey Boyles, grandson Oliver Boyles; sister Roma Skeen Young of Philadelphia and her children, Brian and Matthew Young.
Jim was predeceased by his father, Dr. Hallam C. Skeen; mother, Rev. Dorothy Miller Skeen, and former wife, Dr. Carol Dembe, mother of his son Sam.
Born June 9, 1951, Jim grew up in Columbia, South Carolina, and graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Carolina, received his Master’s Degree at University of Texas, and his MD from the Medical University of South Carolina. Jim completed his residency at New York State University (SUNY) in anesthesiology. Jim practiced anesthesiology at Scotland Memorial Hospital in Laurinburg where he was also the Chief of Medical Staff before starting his own practice in pain management and integrative medicine in Moore County.
Jim was a scholar who never lost his joy of learning and sharing his discoveries with his children, whether it was a new medical procedure or historical discovery. He was fiercely competitive, giving his boys the pride of accomplishment on those few times they were able to beat him in chess.
Jim was a family man, loving nothing more than traveling with his boys and sharing new adventures. He treasured the memories of his parents, was a loyal friend, and always had a big grin when he met a new kiddo to play with.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Doctors Without Borders, a cause very dear to Jim’s heart.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
