James Guy Skonberg, age 36, passed away June 7, 2023, surrounded by his loving family and
compassionate caregivers at St. Peter’s Hospital. James was born July 27, 1986 in Kodiak,
Alaska, weighing 3 ½ pounds, a fighter from the start. James was born with cerebral palsy due
to complications from a virus and lived a full life until his lungs were finally too tired. Although
he never walked or talked, he let it be known that he knew what was going on! He taught us all
gratitude, faith, kindness and patience. He has touched more lives than most ever do in a
lifetime. James was a great listener with a gentle nature. You always knew that you had his
attention when you needed to talk, he was our super secret keeper. He would smile big when
we would tell him our secrets knowing that he was trusted with something significant. A young
girl once said, “James is the best kind of friend,” and we all couldn’t have agreed more. Anyone
in Jame’s presence could call him friend and he accumulated many throughout his lifetime.
In his early years, James traveled between Montana and a little fishing village, Chignik, Alaska
for the fishing season. He attended school in Helena at Broadwater Elementary, CR Anderson,
and Capital High schools, graduating in 2005. He then attended Spring Meadow Resources and
Helena Industries. James was granted a wish from the Montana Hope Project where he and his
family traveled to Disney World. James enjoyed camping, traveling, riding in the mountains,
holidays, and being around family and friends. While traveling and at home James loved to
spend time watching T.V., movies and listening to audiobooks and music. Wheel of Fortune was
a favorite of his! His travels with family took him to Canada, the Oregon coast, Missouri, the
Carolina’s, Virginia, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and Texas just to name a few. Each
adventure led to a good story about how James laughed so hard, or gave us some attitude,
these memories are irreplaceable and will be cherished forever.
James was preceded in death by his father, Lars Skonberg; grandmother, Florence Skonberg; grandparents, Donna and Victor Stipcich; uncles, Shawn Senecal, Bob Norris, John Stipcich and Aunt MaryLee Norris.
He is survived by his parents, Cindy and Darrell Stipcich; brothers, Jesse and Kyle Skonberg, Kyle (Shawna) Stipcich, Heather (Keven) Patzer, Katie (Alex) Borsberry, Cody (Taylor) Stipcich, and Victoria (Johnny) LaFountain; grandparents, Jim and Jeannie Senecal and Guy Skonberg; aunts and uncles, Ronnie and Wristine Senecal, Violet Skonberg David, Dennis Skonberg, Lisa and Rod Thompson, Kay Stipcich and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and caregivers.
The family would like to thank all the doctors, physicians’ assistants, nurses and aides who
cared for James during his stay at St. Peter’s Hospital. Your professionalism, expertise,
compassion and caring did not go unnoticed.
We will celebrate James’s life on November 11th, 12:00 at the Avon Community Clubhouse.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Montana Hope Project, PO Box 5927, Helena, MT
59604 or Avon Cemetery PO Box 326, Avon, MT 59713.
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Deb W says
Cindy and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of James. He will be truly missed. I’m blessed to have gotten to know him even though coming to see us in clinic wasn’t his favorite place to go. You all are in my thoughts during this time. Another angel gained his wings to go meet his savior. Rest in peace sweet James.
Inez and Wally says
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to your family during this difficult time. May your loving memories with James help you through. I had a cousin had Cerebral Palsy. I got to know her for a short time and she was the sweetest little girl. Hugs and comfort to you all.
Gail McKinnon says
I initially cried out in sadness when I heard that James had passed away. But then I reconsidered. I know that he is now running, jumping, laughing & talking up a storm! It was an honor to have the opportunity to be one of James’ paras at Capital High School. He was loved by all of us. James shared his silent wisdom with the whole student body & everyone who had contact with him. We were all blessed to have him in our lives. Also, James had the best family ever, Loving , patient, compassionate, & an inspiration to everyone. it is hard to lose someone you love. May the Lord give you the strength & grace to go on in life day by day.
Nancy Y/R says
I met James when he was quite young. We interacted frequently for several years and he was a joy to be around. James was very patient with me and taught me quite a lot during our “play” sessions. My heart goes out to this remarkable family.