James George Skala of Ann Arbor passed away at his home In Brevard, NC on September 24, 2023, with his loving wife by his side.  He was born on September 18, 1930, to Anna and Frank Skala in Chicago, IL. Jim was an especially proud graduate of the University of Michigan where he excelled in two varsity sports, basketball, and football.  He played basketball from 1949 to 1952 and was captain, leading scorer, and most valuable player of the 1951-52 team.   He also played football on the 1949 and 1950 teams, with the 1950 team winning the Big Ten and the 1951 Rose Bowl.

After graduating from Michigan, Skala became the head basketball coach at Eastern Michigan University from 1954 to 1960, compiling a 41-90 record in six seasons. He then served six years as an assistant basketball coach at the University of Michigan and was responsible for recruiting Cazzie Russell to play for the Wolverines. The teams between 1964 and 1966 won the Big Ten three years in a row and went to the Final Four in 1965 & 1966.  Jim was proud of the fact that no other basketball team in Big Ten in its history has achieved a Big Ten three-peat.  Skala resigned in October 1966 to become President with Commercial Carriers, an automotive carrier firm in Detroit.

Jim is survived by his wife Lorraine, son David (Carol) Skala, daughter Susan (Bob) Seaglund; step-daughters Kimberly Provost, Gwen (Greg) Dani , grandchildren Katie (Michael) Dortch, Kristi (Tony) Amatuzio, step grandchildren Spencer Heinitsh Will Dani, Maya Dani, Brian ( Michelle) Seaglund, Eric (Kimberly) Seaglund, Ken Seaglund and great grandchildren Olivia Dortch, Camryn Dortch, Jordan Dortch, Ella Amatuzio and Dominic Amatuzio, Emma Seaglund, Daniel Seaglund, and Jessalyn Seaglund.   He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Katherine Skala, Esther Neberz and Ruth Fletcher, and daughter, Debra Skala.

Plans are being reviewed for a small Celebration of Life and, in the meantime, memorial contributions may be made by check to the Biltmore Church, 35 Clayton Rd. Arden, NC  28704.  Include Jim's name in the memo portion of your check.

Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com.