The obituary notice of James (Jimmy) SKINNER - (FEARN)

Love & Prayers with you all today. Ian

My name is Drew Macrae and Jimmy was my cousin.I am sorry that I and my two brothers Gavin and Ross are unable to be in person at the funeral. It is strange that our earliest memories of him go back to our childhood. As a family we spent holidays at Rhynie ,near Hill of Fern near Tain with my Auntie Bella , Jimmy’s mum. Jimmy lived close by. I remember his handshake and deep voice and his laugh . He always had a dry sense of humour. I remember his allotment outside his cottage which was his pride and joy. I remember he grew a wonderful crop of potatoes. I remember that on one of his trips to Edinburgh to visit his daughter he brought a whole net caught salmon. I have never tasted salmon so good before or since. Jimmy was a man who loved his family deeply. Jimmy and Catherine were always kind and good friends to our dad Andrew while he was alive. I have no funny stories to tell . In many ways he reminds me of a character in the Old Testament a gentleman called Barzillai . You will find his story in 2 Samuel 17 &19. Like Barzillai Jimmy was generous to a fault, a humble man who did not realise how special he was and gracious to everyone he met. I personally never heard him raise his voice. He like Barzillai knew how to spend his latter years well despite many medical difficulties over the years. His faith was quiet but real and much to be admired. He was truly a highland gentleman who will be greatly missed.

Your kindness to me and Catherine will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Jimmy, love always

Pat x

Uncle Jimmy you were a gentleman rest in peace.

Trips up to Fearn to see Granny and Granda are some of my favourite childhood (and adulthood!) memories. Granda always met me with a big hug and plenty of Werther's Originals!

Granda always had a smile, a wink and a quick retort on offer, even when in the hospital. He could always make me, and in recent years my husband, laugh with his wit and his one liners - delivered with perfect execution and timing 😂

Its testament to his nature and his heart how many loved ones visited him over the last few months and I'm looking forward to meeting more of his friends on the 6th and hearing different stories about his life and his adventures.

Love you Granda ❤️
Mairi xxx