John Skelly was born on November 27, 1924 on a farm south of Madison, Wisconsin to Hedwig Loehrer and Leo J Skelly. He attended a one room grade school. Upon his graduation from high school, he immediately joined the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific during World War II. After his honorable discharge, he obtained his bachelor of science degree in petroleum geology from the University of Wisconsin. He was a member of the Delta Sigma Pi fraternity. He remained a lifelong avid Badger fan.

John was a certified geologist enjoying a 35 year career in the oil and gas industry. He was first employed by Seaboard Oil and then Kern Oil of California. He then was an independent geologist for seven years in New Orleans. He went on to serve as senior vice president with Clark Oil and Refining and an executive vice president for Apex Exploration.

After his retirement he was became an Emeritus Member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.

John enjoyed fishing, duplicate bridge and was an avid golfer. He was a proud member of Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas for 44 years. He enjoyed playing bridge with the Romeos as well as other bride groups for many years. During his retirement, he and his wife, Joyce, spent their summers in Door County, Wisconsin where they enjoyed golf, fishing and entertaining family and friends.

John was a member of Saint Ignatius parish in Spring, Texas. He is preceded in death by his wife, Joyce and is survived by his two children LuAnne Jones of Friendswood, Texas and Tom Skelly of Lake Forest, Illinois. He leaves six grandchildren: Bradley and Jason Glover in Houston, Travis Skelly in New York City, Garrett Skelly in Chicago, Marcus Skelly in Dallas and Allison Muller in Elmhurst, Illinois and five great grandsons all of whom loved him dearly.

Memorial services will be held 2 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at Klein Funeral Home on Cypresswood Dr. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Spring Texas