Donald James 'Jim' Skala

DONALD JAMES "JIM" SKALA

Cedar Rapids

Donald James "Jim" Skala, 70, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away Sunday, July 18,2021, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids. A Celebration of Life will be at

a later date. Murdoch- Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids is assisting the family.

Jim was born April 23, 1951, to Donald and Maxine (Benda) Skala in Cedar Rapids. He was married to Catherine "Cathy" Hagerman on Nov. 5, 2010, in Las Vegas.

Jim graduated from Jefferson High School in 1969. He worked for FMC/Linkbelt Speeder until they closed, then worked at PMX for 25 years in the material bonding mill before he retired in 2014. Jim enjoyed playing golf in his younger years. He was active in the condo owner association. Jim was a great carpenter and handy man. He was our Mr. Fix-it. Jim enjoyed riding his Harley, and he loved to play "Buffalos" at Tama. He enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and westerns. Jim was famous for his attitude and sayings, such as, "Hey, Lucky," "If you aren't early, you're late" and "It's no problem."

Jim is survived by his wife, Cathy; children, Shari (James) Ross and Shane (Cathy) Skala; stepchildren, Derek (Jenny) Powers, Brandon (Kristy) Powers and Sarah Koss (Shawn Vontage); eight grandchildren, Jacob, Sydney, Adrian, Malik, Riese, Nicole, Dylan and Blayze; two great-grandchildren, Maveryk and Ezekel; and his faithful bodyguard, "Sophie."

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Maxine Skala; and brother, Bob Skala.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Please share a memory of Jim at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.