Jimmie B. Shipman, 74

Technical Sergeant (USAF retired) Jimmie B. Shipman, 74, of Hendersonville went to be with his Heavenly Father on Friday, Jan. 24, 2014 at the Elizabeth House after a period of declining health.

Mr. Shipman was born Sept. 18, 1939, to Buford and Irene Shipman. He was a graduate of Hendersonville High School. Jimmie was a member of West Hendersonville Baptist Church where he was a Sunday school teacher, a deacon and a member of the Men's Brotherhood. He loved his family, his church, his country, and most of all, his Lord. He was saved at the age of 9 years old. His greatest hope was for others to find to find the peace he had in his personal relationship with his savior.

You could always find Jimmie with his Bible, a book and U.S. Air Force Magazine all in hand. He had a fervent belief that each citizen had a responsibility to be active in governmental affairs and spent no small amount of time writing letters to Senators and Congressmen advocating for his beliefs. When he was not reading or writing, he enjoyed taking his "Angel" Betty on trips in their motor home and on cruises. The favorite cruise they shared was their cruise to see his adopted state of Alaska which he fell in love with during his four year tour there.

During his 20 years in the United States Air Force he was stationed in 13 countries to include: Greenland, England, Morocco, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia. His favorite overseas assignment was Alaska. During his service he was awarded the Meritorious Service, the Air Force Commendation Medal and as well as the Vietnam Service Medal. Jimmie was also a life member of the Air Force Association and the Air Force Sergeant's Association. After retirement from the Air Force he worked for Federal Aviation Administration for 17 years, retiring in 2005. He worked as a radar technician in Charlotte, Asheville, Benson, and Maiden N.C., on long range radar sites ensuring the flying public's safety. He loved his work, his fellow workers, his family and his church family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Betty Shipman; two stepchildren, Ronald E. Justice Jr. of Hendersonville and his wife Kim Gasperson-Justice and Sabrina Justice Combs of Kannapolis and her husband Corey; as well as his five grandchildren whom he loved dearly: Gabe and Erin Justice of Hendersonville and Macy, Parker, and Ragan Combs of Kannapolis; he is also survived by six brothers and one sister.

Private services were held on Monday, Jan. 27, 2014, with full military honors being rendered by the Air Force Twentieth Wing Honor Guard from Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. A celebration of Jimmie's life will be held at a later date.

The family requests any donations or memorials be made to the West Henderson High School Band Boosters, 3600 Haywood Road Hendersonville, NC.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements.