Memorial
James “Jim” Shipman, 75 of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 15, 2019 at Meth-Wick Woodlands in Cedar Rapids.
Jim was born on October 10, 1943 to Kline and Maxine Shipman, Allison, Iowa. He graduated from Waverly-Shell Rock High School. Following a year at the University of Northern Iowa, he received an appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York by Congressman H. R. Gross. Cadet Shipman sailed around the world and graduated in 1967. He met his future wife, Carolyn on an airplane while flying “military standby” and was fortunate to get the last seat on the plane, next to Carolyn. They were married in 1967. They lived in Chicago, IL while Jim attended Loyola Law School. He was executive editor of the Loyola University Law Review, Captain of the National Moot Court Team, graduated with a J. D. degree, and was inducted into the Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society. He was offered a position with Simmons, Perrine, Moyer, Bergman PLC in 1970 and remained there until his retirement in 2017. Jim’s legal career covered 47 years, practicing in areas of Medical Malpractice Defense, Insurance Defense and Coverage, Personal Injury, and Product Liability, and Healthcare Law. He was a member of Iowa Defense Counsel Association, Association of Defense Trial Attorneys, and Defense Research Institute. He was an Advocate Member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and a Fellow in the Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers.
Jim was very active in the creation and development of Four Oaks and continued to serve on their board of directors until his passing. His many contributions began in 1973 as a founding board member when it was known as Boy’s Acres. He helped in the development and expansion of the organization. He was always a passionate supporter of Four Oaks by encouraging them to look to the future, be proactive, research, and raise the identity of the organization and its efforts to help the community.
Visitation will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home, 4200 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 from 4:00-7:00pm on Thursday, September 19, 2019. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at All Saints Catholic Church, 720 29th St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA at 10:00am on Friday, September 20, 2019. Family will also greet friends one hour prior to Mass. Burial will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Reverend Jack Flaherty and Reverend David O’Connor will officiate.
Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carolyn; his daughters Kendall (Dave) Hoover of Plymouth, Indiana; Lori (Jeff) Haro of Hiawatha, Iowa, his beloved grandchildren Alex David Hoover, Plymouth, Indiana; Carson James Hoover, Plymouth, Indiana; Rachel Elizabeth Haro, Hiawatha, Iowa; Jackson James Haro, Hiawatha, Iowa; sister Ann Nelson, New Jersey; nephews Kelley (Barbara) Nelson, New Jersey; Jeff (Julie) Nelson, Maple Grove, Minnesota; sister-in-law Edith Wernke, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Preceded in death by his parents Kline and Maxine Shipman, and aunt Mildred (Garland) Lamb.
The family wishes to thank The Meth-Wick Community Woodlands staff, Dr. Chirantan Ghosh, and Dr. John Banks for their friendship and care of Jim.
Memorials may be directed to:
* Four Oaks, 5400 Kirkwood Blvd., Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
* Meth-Wick Community, 13th St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
* All Saints Catholic Church, 720 29th St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
* Anna Purna Ghosh Foudation, P.O. Box 1248, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-1248