Former Wings' coach, Jimmy Skinner dies at 90
Wednesday, 07.11.2007 / 4:51 PM
/ News
By John Hahn
- Senior Director of Communications
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DETROIT -- It is with deep sadness that the Red Wings note the passing of former Red Wings head coach Jimmy Skinner, who passed away earlier today.
James Donald Skinner was born January 12, 1917 in Selkirk, Manitoba. He was a valued member of the Red Wings' organization for 40 years as in addition to coaching, he held the positions of Chief Scout & Farm Director, Director of Player Personnel and General Manager.
He coached the Red Wings to the club’s seventh Stanley Cup Championship in 1955 – the final championship that began a 42-year span before the Wings won again in 1997. Skinner compiled a 123-78-46 record as coach from 1954-55 through the first 38 games of 1957-58 before an illness forced him to retire.
In 1980, he became the team's general manager until 1982. Skinner coached in three NHL All-Star games. He won the Memorial Cup as Manager of Hamilton Red Wings in 1963. Prior to joining the Red Wings, Skinner was coach of the Windsor Spitfires. As a player, Skinner was Captain of the Omaha Knights. He also played for the Flin Flon Bombers.
Jimmy had two brothers, Gordon and Morden "Ducky". After their father James Skinner Sr. died the three brothers inherited "Skinner's" restaurant located in Lockport, Manitoba .
In 1943 he married Vivian Anna Reynolds. They had four children, Holly, Karen, Tess, and James.
Skinner was inducted into the Detroit Red Wings Hall of Fame in 1977 and the Windsor Essex County Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.
James Donald Skinner was born January 12, 1917 in Selkirk, Manitoba. He was a valued member of the Red Wings' organization for 40 years as in addition to coaching, he held the positions of Chief Scout & Farm Director, Director of Player Personnel and General Manager.
He coached the Red Wings to the club’s seventh Stanley Cup Championship in 1955 – the final championship that began a 42-year span before the Wings won again in 1997. Skinner compiled a 123-78-46 record as coach from 1954-55 through the first 38 games of 1957-58 before an illness forced him to retire.
In 1980, he became the team's general manager until 1982. Skinner coached in three NHL All-Star games. He won the Memorial Cup as Manager of Hamilton Red Wings in 1963. Prior to joining the Red Wings, Skinner was coach of the Windsor Spitfires. As a player, Skinner was Captain of the Omaha Knights. He also played for the Flin Flon Bombers.
Jimmy had two brothers, Gordon and Morden "Ducky". After their father James Skinner Sr. died the three brothers inherited "Skinner's" restaurant located in Lockport, Manitoba .
In 1943 he married Vivian Anna Reynolds. They had four children, Holly, Karen, Tess, and James.
Skinner was inducted into the Detroit Red Wings Hall of Fame in 1977 and the Windsor Essex County Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.
