MOGMJSkelly
JAMES WILLIAM SKELLY 1873-1967
Picture courtesy of Missouri Lodge of Research Archive
Grand Master, 1935-1936
BIOGRAPHY
From Missouri Lodge of Research:
James W. Skelly was the son of John Skelly of Franklin County, Pennsylvaia, who fought as a private in the Union Arm. His mother was Clementina Weider of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. They came to Missouri in 1863. .His father had died before he was thirteen years old leaving his mother to bring up the family.
Brother Skelly petitioned Laddonia Lodge No 115, Laddonia, Mo for membership in 1900. Removing to St Louis the following year he affiliated with Tuscan Lodge No 360. Five years later he was placed in line and served as Master in 1913. He served as DDGM of the thirty-third district in 1920-1922. and two years later appointed to the advaning line of the Grand Lodge being elected and installed Grand Master at the One Hundred Fifteenth annual communication held in St Joseph, Mo., September 24-25, 1935.
James Skelly served as High Priest of St Louis Chapter RAM No 8 in 1923 and was a member of Hiram Council No 1 and Ascalon Commandry No 16 K.T. In the Scottish Rite he received the degrees 4-32 in 1911, in 1919 he was invested K.C.C.H. and in 1925 was coronated 33rd degree, Inspector General Honorary. He served the Scottish Rite bodies in St Louis as Secretary for twelve years. Prior to that time he was a Civil Engineer, receiving the degree form the University of Missouri. From the University he went with the Engineering Department, U.S, Army, first as rodman with the Mississippi River Commission and subsequently serving on surveys and improvement work on that river, except for one year in the Engineering Department of the Missouri Pacific Railroad.
From May 1917 to May 1919 he was a volunteer in the overseas war service of the U.S. Army, going abroad as Captain of the 12th Engineers (light railway) among the first thirty thousand troops from this country.
He was a member of the Missouri Lodge of Research and National Sojourners.
Most Worshipful Brother Skelly passed to his eternal reward on August 15, 1967 with full Masonic Services at the Scottish Rite Cathedral on August 17, 1967. At the time of his death he was the Dean of the Past Grand Masters.
