James Kennedy “Jimmy” Skipton, Jr., age 76, Saddlebred owner, ASHA member, and father of longtime exhibitor and American Saddlebred Museum curator Kim Skipton, died on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 in Houston, Texas.

Skipton was founder and President of Texas Fire & Safety, Inc. with locations throughout Texas. He was a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, an early supporter of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, a founder and President of the Texas American Saddlebred Horse Association, and a partner with trainer Charles D. Smith in S & S Venture Farm. Horses shown under the S & S Venture and Texas Fire & Safety names won dozens of world titles from the late 70s to early 2000. The final horse Jimmy Skipton had a hand in purchasing was the late RWC Five-Gaited Mare Princess Shalimar, dam of Kim’s current Sweepstakes Fine Harness winner, RWC If The Tiara Fits. His wife of 54 years, LaMerle, four daughters, one son, and seven grandchildren survive Jimmy. The family is grateful for the wonderful care provided by the staff of The Forum at Memorial Woods during his battle with Parkinson’s disease.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Saddlebred Museum, 4083 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY, 40511.

For further information, contact: American Saddlebred Horse Association 4083 Iron Works Parkway Lexington, KY 40511 859-259-2742 (p) 859-259-1628 (f)