of Mountain View, AR
June 18, 1942 - July 15, 2025
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.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 18702693210.
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28 Condolence(s)
Pat and Bob Reeves
Friday, July 18, 2025
We are sorry to hear about Ernest. Prayers for all of you.
Pennie Warren
Friday, July 18, 2025
Thoughts and prayers for the family, 🙏 🙏 🕊🕊
Bernice NORTHCUTT
Friday, July 18, 2025
Shirley and Fa'mily
I send my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one •
Doug Brewer
Friday, July 18, 2025
Shirley/Brad/Michelle, my deepest sympathy for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Brends Avey Lewis
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Ernest was a great friend and person. He always had a smile on his face and always something good to say. I pray God will touch your lives in the days ahead.
Danny & Martha Simmons
Thursday, July 17, 2025
We're so sorry for your loss. He was happy to see and visit with you. I've got some good memories of deer hunting together. Prayers for the family and friends 🙏❤️
Dwain and JaniceCrymes
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Praying for
You all.
Ronda Ivy
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Praying for your family. Memories will be so special and precious during this sad time.
Kim Balentine
Thursday, July 17, 2025
My sweet Michelle and Brady!I have know your daddy ever since I was old enough to go to Papa's store! He would come in every morning before work with that big smile of his. Never missed any ballgames! All the guys would stand against the wall and yell for us and at the referres! Such great memories of mine!! Your daddy was one in a million!!! I love you guys!!!!
Sondra Gammill Cownie
Thursday, July 17, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. God's peace and comfort to all of you.
Donna Treat
Thursday, July 17, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to all the family.
Eddie L Powell
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Brad and family I'm sorry for your loss, just know God has a better plan, love you guys
Joel and Kay Woody
Thursday, July 17, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss,sending Prayers for all the family,
Kevin and Diane Phillips
Thursday, July 17, 2025
So sorry to hear this. Sending prayers and hugs to your family.
Jim & Pat Cash
Thursday, July 17, 2025
I'm sorry for your loss! He was a great person and everyone that knew him loved him.
Kenny and Debbie Perry
Thursday, July 17, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss. Praying for the family during this difficult time.
Sonja Jaynes, Broaddus
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Sincere condolences. May you rest knowing he is in loving arms.
Kay Hinkle
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Our sincere sympathy and prayers to you all…Jim and Kay
Melissa Avey
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Prayers for all. Ernest was a great man.❤️
Bonnie
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Sorry for your loss. Earnest was always good for a laugh or two.
Glenda Martin
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Shirley and family i just now heard about Earnest. Our prayers are with you guys. God Bless You All
Glenna Weatherford
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Shirley,I am so sorry..prayers for you and your family during this time
Mary Morrow
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Prayers for you family.
Shirley Lancaster
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Sending my love thoughts prayers and my condolences he was a dandy and will be missed by me RIP
Jim & Nancy Steele
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Jim and Ernest worked together for the U.S. Forest service for many years and were good friends. We will be keeping your family in our prayers
Jim &Nancy Steele.
G. Gray
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Dear Shirley and Brad and all the rest of the Shipman family.
I will keep you in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Gerald
Bobbie Stannard
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Love and prayers for the family.
SHIRLEY--EARL BARNES
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY DURING THIS TIME OF BEREAVMENT. GOD USUALLY KNOWS BEST FOR US AND HE WILL SEE US THROUGH OUR TRIAL AND PROBLEMS BUT WE MUST LEAN ON HIM AND PUT OUR TRUST IN HIM. REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES AND MEMORIES AND WE WILL SEE OUR LOVE ONES AGAIN SOMEDAY. PRAYERS FOR SHIRLEY, BRAD AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY.