Cover photo for James Duane Shippy's Obituary
James Duane Shippy Profile Photo
1930 James 2022

James Duane Shippy

May 30, 1930 — August 18, 2022

Loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, James Duane Shippy died on August 18th, 2022 in Port St. Lucie Florida.

Jim was born on May 30, 1930 in Geneva, Illinois to the late Elton Duane Shippy and Mildred Haugh Shippy. He grew up in Niagara Falls, NY where he attended LaSalle High School. Following high school, he attended Brockport State College for one year and then enlisted and honorably served in the U.S Navy during the Korean War. He then returned to Brockport to complete his degree in Elementary Education. Jim began his teaching career at Paddy Hill Elementary School, where he taught fifth grade and then served more than 20 years as elementary principal in Olean NY, Groton NY and Oneida NY.

Following his retirement from Education, Jim became interested in real estate. He opened J.D. Shippy Realty LTD in Ithaca, NY and later purchased the Dryden Drive-In movie theater in Freeville, NY where he founded Homes With Integrity Inc., selling manufactured homes which then evolved into a construction company developing residential home lots with modular homes.

Jim was a visionary and a dreamer. As an active member of the Cole-Hansenburger-Deland American Legion Post, his love of country and appreciation of the service of veterans inspired him to create the Schuyler County Veterans Memorial Park in Odessa, NY. Through the generous donations of several local citizens, the park was built across from the American Legion Post. Countless hours of dedication by the members of the legion post and community members to build and maintain the park, have created a lasting memorial to the men and women who have served their country from Schuyler County.

Jim was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Jensen Beach, FL and a life member of both the VFW and the American Legion.

Jim was predeceased by his parents and his first wife and mother of his children, Jane Schuessler Shippy. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Virginia Shanahan Shippy of Port St. Lucie, FL, his brother Gordon Shippy of Clarksville, TN, Jim’s three children; Susan Esslinger (Tim) of Huntsville AL, Robin Shippy Emm (James) of Cortland, NY, and James Shippy (Judy) of Charlottesville, VA; four grandchildren, Brian Bellan (Hillary), Katlin Budynas (Daniel), Alex Shippy, Michael Emm and two great grandchildren, Ellison and Will Bellan. Jim loved dogs throughout his life and is also survived by his faithful companion, Shadow.

A memorial service will take place at 11 AM on October 1st, 2022 at Schuyler County Veterans Memorial Park in Odessa, NY, with an inurnment to follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Odessa, NY.

Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Schuyler County Veterans Memorial Park, P.O Box 137 Odessa, NY 14869
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