James R. Shipley

James R. Shipley, 82, Rockford, passed away on Monday, September 10, 2012 after a long illness. James was born in Rockford on April 23, 1930, the son of Dr. James L. and Marie M. (Barrett) Shipley. He graduated in 1949 from Northwestern Military Naval Academy and attended Rockford Business College. Jim was a proud US veteran serving in the 44 th Illinois National Guard stationed at the quartermaster headquarters in Giessen, Germany. He married Marie Devine on December 29, 1951. He worked at Ingersoll Milling Machine for 41 years until his retirement in 1996. Jim was a devout catholic whose faith was a source of inspiration to all of us. He loved life and loved his family and spent many joyful moments camping, swimming, boating, fishing and exploring the woods in his favorite location, the Wisconsin Northwoods. He passed on his lifelong love of the area to his wife, their two sons and each of his grandchildren. Jim was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and will be dearly missed. The family would like to give special thanks to Bud Devine for his many years of friendship and kindness, as well as, a heartfelt thank you to the staff at P.A. Peterson for their compassionate care. Jim is lovingly survived by his wife, Marie; sons, Michael (Linda) and Daniel (Lynda sister, Lorraine (Raymond) Shaffer of Tucson, AZ; grandchildren, Kristin (Eduardo) Ruiz, Stephanie Shipley, Kaela Shipley and Connor Shipley; several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 15, 2012 at St. James Catholic Church 428 N. 2 nd Street. Visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of prayer at 10:45 at the church. Interment in Calvary Catholic Cemetery.