CULLMAN — Sgt. James L. ‘Jamie’ Skalberg Jr.

Funeral services for Sgt. James L. “Jamie” Skalberg Jr., 25, of Emerson, Iowa, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 14, 2012, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Red Oak, Iowa, the Rev. Fred Pilecki officiating, with burial in Emerson Cemetery in Iowa.

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Sgt. Skalberg, the son of James and Kelli “Hannah”Skalberg Sr., was born Dec. 5, 1986, in Fort Hood, Texas. He was killed Wednesday, June 27, serving his country on active duty in the U.S. Army in Maidan Shahr, Wardak province, Afghanistan at the age of 25 years, 6 months and 22 days.

Jamie was born while his father was in the military. As a young child, the family lived in Fort Hood, Texas, Vilseck, Germany, and Good Hope, Alabama. He moved to Emerson, Iowa, and lived with his grandparents while attending Nishna Valley High School. He participated in basketball, football and track. He graduated with the Blackhawk class of 2005. He attended Peru State College, Peru, Nebraska and played football, prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army in February 2007. He was united in marriage to Jessica Payne Oct. 20, 2009, in El Paso, Texas. To this union, July 12, 2011, their son, Carter, was born.

Jamie was an avid sports fan, his favorite teams were the L.A. Lakers and Iowa State Cyclones; he also enjoyed music. Jamie was loved by his family, fellow soldiers, friends and community. He was carefree, easy-going, reliable, level headed and loving, and was a gentleman in all respects. Jamie adored his wife, Jessica and son, Carter. He was proud to serve his country and was greatly respected and loved by his soldiers. Jamie’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart (posthumous awards), Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Driver’s Badge, Air Assault Badge and Combat Action Badge.

Jamie was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Ray and Emily Mattox; and grandfathers, Ted Brewer and Virgil Isaac.

Jamie is survived by his wife, Jessica; son, Carter of Red Oak, Iowa; parents, James and Kelli Skalberg Sr. of Cullman; sister, Spring Skalberg of Cullman; grandparents, Bonnie and John Stephens of Emerson, Iowa; Karen Brewer of Emerson, Iowa; John Skalberg of Essex, Iowa; and Bob Hannah of Penrose, Colo.; and aunts and uncles: Denny and Babe Proctor and Gator and Melody Stephens. Jamie is also survived by his mother- and father-in-law, Meshell and William “Bill” Billings Jr. of Red Oak, Iowa; father-in-law, David Payne of Omaha, Neb.; brother-in-law, Jacob Payne, who is currently serving in Afghanistan; sister-in-law, Courtney Billings of Red Oak, Iowa; and grandparents-in-law, Craig and Judy Euken, William and Jan Billings Sr. and Jim and Sharon Payne; along with other relatives and many friends.

May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Carter Skalberg Educational Fund.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 13, at the church in Iowa.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.sldfuneralhome.com.