James Matthew Skibo

I am so sorry for this tragic loss. Please know I will be praying for your family. You have my sympathy and I am sending hugs and love...

Jim was my colleague, a neighbor and a friend. He helped everyone that he could and I am blessed to have known him for over 20 years.

Our deepest condolences on this tragic loss. Jim was a phenomenal professor, a man of great talent, and unending compassion. Our thoughts are with you during this extremely difficult time. Our shock is only suspended by tears of sorrow. Evan and Lisa Brown, former students of Dr. Skibo.

Jim was first a colleague, but very quickly became a mentor, role mode, and above all else, a friend. I simply would not be where I am today without his support, encouragement, and friendship. When I became department chair and moved into his old office, I spent the week finding small post-it notes with 'words of wisdom' from Jim, peppered with his infectious sense of humor and encouragement. I saved every one of those post-it notes and on bad days, they would make me smile and laugh when I needed it most. I treasure every one of those notes and the priceless gift of his friendship. We also shared a love of our dogs - especially our Golden Retrievers. :). I am a better person for having the gift of knowing Jim. Sending you all peace and comfort at this difficult time. Joan Brehm

When I heard yesterday about Jim's death, all I could think about was his big broad ready smile and his big broad ready laugh, that turned out on further review--of his numerous YouTubes--often to be a chuckle, an accompaniment sometimes, a refrain others, a bridge still other times. I wrote about this smile and this laugh to a friend who never knew him. That he was that, and he was also kind and the kid in him was always breaking out over the surface of his face. Seeing him discuss his most recent work with his colleagues, about an amazing discovery that is a game changer, as people have said, in the study of the ancient Americas, makes me so proud and humbled to have known him. Seeing him discuss his careful skepticism, giving tribute to all others, reaching out to tribal authorities, working to bring archaeology to the people, to the public, makes us all realize how far we have to reach to demonstrate the natural intellectualism that was a skin he seems to have been born in. He died while pursuing his innate love of life, his enthusiasm for the all-in physical exertion that was the best of his profession. The English department was lucky to have him as our interim chairperson. Illinois State University was lucky to have him as a leader not only in my own field of Native American Studies, but in so many other distinguished roles. I got used to living in a world where I knew Jim was out there distributing his smarts and his fun to all. I do not want to get used to living in that other world, but for his sake, we will all try. I know that he would be egging us on to find all that Lake Mendota has to tell and to find in our own work that effortlessness that makes it feel like play. May the ancient spirits of the lake welcome you and treat you kindly, Jim, as you have always treated others. And may your life to come be the heaven you deserve.