Saturday brought the sad news that James Skinner, Sr., owner of two auto dealerships including Jim Skinner Ford in Birmingham, passed away at the age of 87. Many will remember him from local commercials, others for his contributions to the automotive sales industry (highlighted by the bestowing of a lifetime achievement award on him by the state legislature in 2003. The Dothan Eagle provides a brief account of the the Michigan native’s life within its coverage; NBC 13 provides information about a public visitation on Monday evening in advance of Tuesday’s private funeral.