Donald James 'Jim' Skala

April 23, 1951 - July 18, 2021

Donald James “Jim” Skala, 70, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away Sunday, July 18,2021, at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids. The family will conduct a Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Friday, August 6, 2021, at Antioch Church, 433 Cross Road, Marion, Iowa. 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 November 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 was survived by his wife, Cathy; children, Shari (James) Ross, Shane (Cathy) Skala; step-children, Derek (Jenny) Powers, Brandon (Kristy) Powers, Sarah Koss (Shawn Vontage); eight grandchildren, Jacob, Sydney, Adrian, Malik, Riese, Nicole, Dylan and Blayze; two great-grandchildren, Maveryk, 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.