In Remembrance of Dr. Jim Skibo, Longtime Exchange Executive

January 26, 2023

Dr. Jim Skibo, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s senior vice president of Customer Relationship Management, passed away Jan. 20.

Skibo, who began his Exchange career in June 1969 as a college trainee, was one of the organization’s longest-tenured executives.

“Jim was an amazing leader, mentor, educator and friend,” said Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull. “Throughout his more than 50-year career, Jim was steadfast in his service to our teammates and the military communities we are honored to serve.”

Skibo served in several roles focused on customer loyalty and retention, including director of trade promotions; vice president, marketing and advertising; vice president, business intelligence; and senior vice president, business development.

He conducted extensive research within the field of organizational evolution and change and was an industry expert on promotion management. In a professional capacity, Skibo spoke at national and international industry forums and presented his research at numerous conferences. He authored numerous academic papers, books and book chapters and served as an adjunct professor at Texas Woman’s University.

“He will be greatly missed,” Shull said. “We honor his legacy and remember all he did for so many of those he touched throughout his life.”

Associates who wish to share their memories of Skibo are encouraged to leave a comment below.

Comments

January 23, 2023

Linda Vannatter

I was fortunate enough to have been selected to be a part of Dr. Skibo’s group which he mentored. His insights and words of wisdom were invaluable. He was one of the reasons that inspired me to obtain an MBA. You are never too old to continue your education. Thank you Dr. Skibo, you will be missed.

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January 23, 2023

Jennifer Nelson

May God wrap Dr. Skibo’s Family in His Loving Embrace and Give them Comfort and Peace.

Rest Easy. Soldier. Your Duty is Done. Now Receive your Heavenly Reward.

Wth Heartfelt, Deepest Condolences from the Nelson Family.

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January 23, 2023

Brian Lawrence

Jim was an amazing gentleman who was an admired Exchange colleague. He was soft spoken but was a loud contributor to any conversation. I had the pleasure to be in numerous meetings with him over the years. One memory was we would run into each other in the gym while he was preparing to go for his daily run. I’ve have followed him on Strava (an exercise App) on all his bike rides over the years. He was a dedicated cyclist and runner. He was always excited to tell us about his latest marathon he completed and he did a tremendous amount of them over the years. He passed away doing what he loved to do and his passion. Jim you will be missed. RIP

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January 23, 2023

Eddie DeCoste

What an amazing person and what a remarkable life. I feel so lucky that Dr. Jim Skibo was part of the AAFES family. I’m Glad to have Known Him thought out the Years.

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January 23, 2023

Nancy Nunez

Such a loss to so many. I always enjoyed our conversations. Rest in Peace, Jim. Prayers for you and your family.

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January 23, 2023

Kwaku Fordjour (K.K)

Am lost for words except to accept the reality of death regardless of who we are. Dr Skibo was the epitome of a healthy individual. He gave me my first reference for a position I applied at the exchange.

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January 23, 2023

Kurt A. Curtis

One Pacific morning, I overheard a conference call involving Dr. Skibo. We were a few minutes early for the call, and someone asked Dr. Skibo about a story they’d heard about a watch that had been on the Antiques Roadshow. It concerned a Rolex Oyster sold in 1974 and purchased by a serviceman at the Thailand Exchange. Dr. Skibo recalled having to sign an approval form for the watch at the time. Its estimated worth was $700,000. Hearing the history of the Exchange from a colleague firsthand was even more interesting than hearing about the Rolex and the episode of the show I recalled seeing. Without knowing Dr. Skibo personally, I can say with confidence that the Exchange community has lost an outstanding person and a treasure trove of insightful institutional knowledge. Anyone who knew and cared about him, inside or outside of the Exchange, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

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January 23, 2023

Debra

Such a tragic loss for all who knew Skibo. Jim shared so much of his love of life and passion for many things he enjoyed doing on social media; his interest in bee keeping, making leather pouches for his many medals (I forget how many), his love for the Meyerson Symphony orchestra, his beloved viola and lessons, his reviews for athletic wear, his love for trains, the sights, sounds and smells he encountered along his way… and of course bicycling and running. Dr. Jim Skibo was one of the kindest gentleman I have ever met and had the pleasure to know through the AAFES. RIP Sir!

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January 23, 2023

Linda (Guy) Summers

I worked with “Skibbo” many years ago. I worked with him when I was The Food & Expense buyer at the time at the Capitol Exchange Region, in Alexandria VA . This was the mid 60s. All the F&E buyers from the USA and overseas went to Dallas to help to consolidate our 9 digits codes on products we used. He was very direct and succinct. He was also very funny…he loved to joke and kid around. I’m glad he lived such a long time. He enjoyed partying too. He showed us lots restaurants tooooo(in the off hours of course) I’ve never forgotten him or the fun we had when we were with him.

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1. January 24, 2023
  
  Linda Summers
  
  This is a correction to my post on Jan 23. When I referenced “mid 60s”, it was really mid 70’s..
  
  Reply
January 23, 2023

RENEE CLARK

Only had one conversation with Dr. Skibo in the elevator at the Exchange. We briefly discussed bike riding; I thought it was so unique for him to often ride his bike to work.

Was not expecting to see this today!

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January 23, 2023

Danny Starnes

Jim was a amazing individual, what he has done for the Military community for over five decades will always stand as an exemplary model of Family Serving Family!

Some of my favorite times at work were my one on one meetings with Dr. Skibo. He had some interesting stories and you never felt rushed nor did he ever give you the impression he had something better to do.

I think most of us lived vicariously through Jim to a certain extent. He did everything with passion and vigor and had a wide array of interests. Jim will be greatly missed by everyone, he has left an indelible mark in all of us who had the honor and the privilege of knowing such a great man.

Fly high my friend, until we meet again!

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January 23, 2023

Robert Maier

Jim was a good friend both on and off duty for over 20 years. He had the idea to computerize trade promotion and I was assigned to be his computer systems analyst. Tams made billions for the bottom line. Ride with the wind, Jim

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January 23, 2023

Donita Huff

If this was the Jim Skibo that worked at the Ohio Valley Exchange Region in the early 70s, We carpooled together with 2 others from Louisville, KY. Jim was brilliant and such a great guy to be around. He will be missed.

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January 23, 2023

Sherry Pritchett

Jim was an amazing man and it was truly an honor to have known him and worked with him! What an outstanding contribution he made to our company! He WILL be greatly missed!

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January 23, 2023

Stephanie Ferretti

Super sense of humor, rare intelligence. You are missed, God Bless.

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January 23, 2023

Barry Gordon

Jim was always available to share his knowledge and expertise, which was extensive in so many varied disciplines. He taught so many of us who were privileged to have known him. Jim’s influence throughout AAFES was widely known among those of us who worked with him.

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January 23, 2023

Sherry Vitovsky

An amazing and intelligent man that AAFES was fortunate to have. He was always kind and patient. May God bless him and his family.

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January 23, 2023

Ron Alleva

Jim Skibo will be sorely missed. I had great memories with work, running, and photography. If you discussed a subject with Jim, the next day he told you about his research on it and it was correct. It was a joy to work with Jim and I will always remember his dedication. RIP

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January 23, 2023

Patti Crow

Jim was a wonderful boss and friend for many years. Working Trade promotions with him from the beginning through automation with TAMS was never a dull moment. The world will miss this man dearly as I will.

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1. January 23, 2023
  
  Robert Maier
  
  So true
  
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January 23, 2023

Lisa Talyor

Jim was such an amazing man. His love and devotion for AAFES was unparalleled. I was fortunate enough to work with him on a couple of projects and through that process we became friends, so over the years I would have conversations about different things going on and he was so insightful and always spot on. He was so smart, and I absolutely loved that he always was focused on learning, even though he already had a doctorate! His abilities and passions for running and biking were so impressive, and then he even took up the violin which was just so impressive!!!
Prayers for his family during this difficult time. RIP Dr. Skibo

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January 24, 2023

Susan Eaton

Dr. Skibo was a consummate educator. I remember one evening as I was leaving for work. We were chatting as we exited the Museum exit at HQ. The conversation revolved around transitions in the market and how the Exchange could adapt and grow. It was fascinating. He not only gave his insights, but he gave space for me to provide insights as well. The fact that he took the time for the conversation when I wasn’t part of his circle of influence meant so much to me. That was the kind of person he was though. He will be greatly missed. Condolences and prayers lifted up for his family.

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January 24, 2023

Lenora Lindsey

I was sad to hear about Dr. Skibo passing, the family have my deepest sympathy. My prayers are with his family, as well as his AAFES family.

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January 24, 2023

Robert Sparks

Steadfast, passionate, dedicated, and in it to serve. An amazing athlete. I will miss you, Jim!

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January 24, 2023

Vanessa Woods

Dr. Skibo was such a nice guy. I remember joking with him and asking are you lost? When I saw him on a loop 12 bike ride. That the job was in the opposite direction, he laughed and said ooooh they won’t miss me… and now we surely will forever. I am thankful, I had a chance to meet him. He was never too busy to speak and or share a word of wisdom. Dr. Skibo was a humbled man of great character and did not allow his noted success to interfere with how he treated/interacted with others. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to his family. May God give them strength during this difficult time. RIP JS, your smile and shared kindness will dearly be missed.

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January 24, 2023

Jan Lewis

Dr Skibo was a kind hearted man. I always enjoyed our conversations as he patiently waited his appointment times with other Executives. As others have said, he was very knowledgable in his field and he will be missed by all who had the priviledge to know or worked along his side. Prayers for the Skibo family.

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January 24, 2023

Monica Leatch

I am in disbelief and deeply saddened about this news. Dr Skibo was one of my big inspirations at AAFES. I would see him riding his bike on the way to work sometimes or during lunch. I was amazed by his dedication and uniqueness. I met him on the elevator one time long ago. It was a quick funny chat (I don’t even recall what we talked about), but he remembered my name ever since that moment. I felt important when he would address me first in passing in the hallway over the years. Dr Skibo has a Great Spirit and such a good-hearted, kind person. He gave off this powerful light energy that I admired so much. I always wanted to work with him, but it was enough to just be graced by his presence. Rest In Peace Dr Jim Skibo!

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January 24, 2023

Donald G. Smith

Jim worked for me when I was transferred to HQ in 1990 until I retired in 1995; he even spoke at my retirement party. We shared a dedication to our careers and a desire to reach for ‘higher education’. We received our ‘doctorates’ about the same time, albeit from different colleges; we both were Adjunct Professors for different colleges, though he continued, while I stepped aside to spend more time in our Ministry. For about eight years we were neighbors in Cedar Hill. He took over my locker in the exercise room at HQ when I retired. We last spoke at an AREA Luncheon in late November. He was a Great Guy devoted to sharing all that he had learned in this world, thus no doubt the longest serving Executive on record. He will be missed on this earth, but is enjoying his Walk in Heaven today. My Prayers are ‘lifted up’ for his Family and colleagues.

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January 25, 2023

Robin Cloud

I was stunned and so saddened to hear this news while on vacation this week. This is a rare occasion where the vastness and yet closeness of the AAFES family bond is proven. So many memories of Dr. Skibo over the decades! I remember going by his office to check his marathon countdown timer and chat with him about his next big event, and seeing him out on the track at lunch or coming in to the building early in the mornings, taking the stairs two at a time while carrying his bike up on his shoulder! He always had a warm greeting and it was always a treat to hear about one of his many non-work hobbies and interests. He was probably the only SVP I regularly interacted with who would respond to emails consistently within an hour. An incredible man with an incredible career and life, whose impact can never be overstated. Rest in peace, Jim, and enjoy those heavenly runs and rides.

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January 25, 2023

Skibo Family Member

I wanted to thank everyone that left a note for taking a moment to comment. It is so nice to hear stories about how Jim impacted the lives of others. Jim was a unique and inspiring person, and he will be dearly missed.

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February 22, 2023

William T. Skibo

James Vincent Skibo was my uncle, and it seems I waited much too long to establish a relationship with him. If anyone can enlighten me to his life; I would deeply appreciate it. I’ll keep in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m from Uniontown, PA 15401.

My deepest condolences to all those close to him.

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1. February 23, 2023
  
  Robert Maier
  
  I believe you may be mistaken. Our Jim is James Edward Skibo and he has one brother with three nephew’s who were at the service.
  
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In Remembrance of Dr. Jim Skibo, Longtime Exchange Executive

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