James ”Ernest” Shipman, age 83, of Mountain View, Arkansas, passed away on July 15, 2025, at Stone County Medical Center, surrounded by loved ones. Born on June 18, 1942, in Fifty Six, Arkansas, to Verlin and Dovia Lea Shipman, Ernest was a beloved husband, father, PaPa, and a member of Fifty Six Missionary Baptist Church.
Ernest dedicated his life to his family and his country. He will be remembered for his kindness, smile, and for always making sure everyone had plenty to eat and drink, whether at home or at a ballgame. After graduating from Mountain View High School in 1960 and attending Arkansas Tech University, Ernest owned his own gas station before moving to Lawrence, Kansas, for work. His daughter, Michelle, was born in 1964.
In 1968, Ernest was drafted into the United States Army. While serving in Vietnam, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Expert Badge with Auto Rifle and Rifle Bars. Ernest returned to Mountain View and married the love of his life, Shirley Storey, on November 20, 1970. Their son, Bradley, was born in 1972.
Ernest began his career with the United States Forest Service in 1970, which lasted over 30 years. During his tenure, he worked through numerous natural disasters, including fires and hurricanes, but it was a man-made disaster, the Oklahoma City bombing, that most touched his heart. After retiring in 2000, Ernest focused on his favorite role: part-time grandbaby-sitter and full-time PaPa. Though the babysitting days came to an end, he will always be our PaPa.
Ernest is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Shipman of Mountain View; daughter, Michelle Shipman Turner (Gerry) of Sherwood; son, Brad Shipman (Kay) of Heber Springs; grandchildren: Brittney Turner Choat (Michael) of Sherwood, Bethaney Turner of Mountain View, Brady Shipman of Nashville, Tennessee, Kaley Shipman of Little Rock, Kade Shipman of Heber Springs; and great-grandson Turner Choat of Sherwood.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Leon Shipman and Don Shipman, and sisters, Maxine Shipman Treat and Juanita Shipman Kendrick.
Pallbearers: Kollin Kendrick, Peyton Kendrick, Glen Doyle Lancaster, Brady Shipman, Kade Shipman, and Gerry Turner.
Honorary Pallbearers: Ronnie Anderson, Turner Choat, Harold Lancaster, Flynn Norman, Don Thomas, and Fred Ward.
The family would like to thank Melissa Mingues for the care she has provided to Ernest.
Roller Crouch Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
