James A. Sklarz, 55, of 189 Lincoln St., died at home unexpectedly on Sunday, February 10, 2008.

   He leaves his children, Michael J., Mark J., Amanda R., Amber M., Cassandra M., and Desiree A. Sklarz, Nicole C. Shetka, Shannon L. Sammartino and Carrie Cook; 2 grandchildren, Rhiannon E. and Armand T. Shetka; his parents, Walter and Helen K. (Kaminski) Sklarz, Sr., of Worcester; a brother, Walter "Skip" Sklarz, Jr.; three sisters, Christina Sklarz-Libby, Juliana Larson and Linda Daniels; his former wife, Cynthia (Smith) Sklarz of Shrewsbury; and several nieces and nephews.

   Jim was born in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and was a U.S. Navy veteran. He was a published free-lance writer, an avid sportsman and a member of the Rutland Sportmen's Club.

   Relatives and friends are invited to attend callings hours from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14th, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday in Chaffin Congregational Church, 155 Shrewsbury St., Holden. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Memorial donations may be made to the Massachusetts Veteran's Shelter, 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01605.