Jimmy "Lefty" Wayne Skelton

Jimmy was born on January 13, 1941 in Selmer, TN to the late Jewel Sipes Skelton and Jim Henry Skelton. He was united in marriage to the love of his life and soulmate, Freida Cox Skelton on March 10, 1984, which has lasted for over 40 years.

Jimmy was born in Selmer, TN, then spent some of his childhood in Peoria, IL before moving back home to Selmer. He graduated from Selmer High School in 1960. Then he attended Memphis State where he played basketball before transferring to Huntingdon College in Montgomery, AL.

Jimmy came to Huntingdon as a highly-recruited player from Selmer, TN. “Lefty” as he was known on campus had a distinguished career at Huntingdon leading the team to the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City in 1964. He was the first four-year starter in the program, and was the MVP of the Huntingdon Invitational Tournament in 1964 and 1965. He was named to the NAIA All-District Team in 1964. NAIA All-American in 1964, and finished the season twelfth in the nation in field goal percentage with 56.4 percent. He was a member of the 1965 NAIA All-District Team. He was also the co-captain of the basketball team for 3 years and was the 5th leading scorer in the school’s history. He was inducted into the Huntingdon College Sports Hall of Fame in 1992.

After graduating in 1965, Jimmy coached in Troy and Brundidge before returning to Selmer, TN in 1969. He became the McNairy Central High School head coach for both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams. In the 1973-1974 season, he was selected the Boys and Girls Coach of the Year in West Tennessee, and he took seven straight McNairy Central teams to the state tournament.

In 1977, he got out of coaching and started working as an insurance agent for Modern Woodmen of America as an agent for 4 years, then promoted to District Manager for 6 years. He went back to coaching in 1987 at Selmer Middle School for 4 years, winning 3 county championships with the boy’s team and 2 county championships with the girl’s team. In 1991, he moved to Selmer Elementary School to teach Physical Education until he retired in 2000.

After retiring, he was inducted into the McNairy Central High School Sports Hall of Fame. He also attended Mt. Gilead Baptist Church. Jimmy loved traveling all across the United States. He was always ready to tell you about a trip that he and Freida had been on, and what all they saw while on the trip. Most know Jimmy for his love for basketball and the specific detailed stories he would tell about all of his wonderful basketball memories.

Jimmy departed this life on September 8, 2024 at the age of 83 years, 7 months and 27 days. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Freida Cox Skelton; his son, Russell Haynie of Corinth, MS; beloved cousin, Tommye Mitchell of Selmer,TN; sister-in-law, Elaine Cox of Memphis, TN; brothers-in-law, Charles (Leigh-Anne) Cox and Joe Lee Cox of Selmer, TN; niece, Mallory (Charlie) Graham; nephew, Mason (Madison) Cox; great nephews, Cade, Collin, Greyson, and Maxton all of Selmer; his amazing friend and caregiver, Mr. Willie Sain; and many cousins, family, and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jim Wayne Skelton and Jewel Sipes Skelton; younger brother, Roger Allen Skelton; in laws Charles and Wilma Jo Cox.

The family extends sincere appreciation to his caregiver and angel on earth, Mr. Willie Sain. He was such a blessing to his life and Freida’s during the past few years of Jimmy’s suffering the disease of dementia.

The family also extends thankfulness to TN Quality Hospice, especially Cindy Hickman and Melissa Kirk, for caring for Jimmy. May his memory be a blessing to all that knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, the Alzheimer’s Association, or a charity of your choice.