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Admiral Sipes Obituary
Admiral Sipes graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Class of 1959. He earned a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Rhode Island and was a graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He served on board the USCG Cutters Bibb and Eastwind with many fine shipmates. He enjoyed a distinguished 34 year career in the U.S. Coast Guard and retired to Houston in 1993.
He was a long time member of the Clear Lake United Methodist Church where he willingly served the church and congregation in a variety of roles. He especially enjoyed working with youth, the UM Army, and the building committee.
The Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, February 6, at eleven o'clock in the morning at Clear Lake United Methodist Church, 16335 El Camino Real, Houston, TX 77062. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial donations be directed to the Clear Lake United Methodist Church Building Fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Admiral Sipes
John D. Bonebreak
January 28, 2025
I remember visiting the Sipes family in Alexandria VA. Joel was the closest to my age. We played ball between the lanes of the highway. Had a great time. Our lives then separated, but I followed his career.
James Doughty
February 24, 2013
Dear Ruth, I just had a phone call from Ron Polant, and he told me of Joel's passing. Joel was a great friend, and I have some wonderful memories of summer, 1960. Then the wedding in Wahoo. You have my deepest sympathy, and you both will be in our prayers. Love from Jim Doughty
February 17, 2013
I am saddened to hear of Joel's passing and have fond memories of this childhood friend. Rev. John Bonebreak, Martinsburg, PA
Jack Goldthorpe
February 17, 2013
May the love of your friends and family carry you through your grief. Please accept my sincerest condolences for the loss of a classmate, friend, and fellow Coast Guard officer, a true leader. May Joel rest in eternal peace.
February 9, 2013
The U S Coast Guard would do well to commission their next vessel in honor of a fine officer, gentleman, friend and a patriot in the true sense of the word. Name it the USS JDSIPES. I not only knew him well but enjoyed his company on his visits to his relatives. There are not enough men n the world like him. If there were, it would be a better pkace. We will always miss you. Sincerely and with Love, Dee, Don and Dot
Bob Warakomsky
February 9, 2013
Dear Ruth...I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Joel was a wonderful shipmate on the Bibb, and I'll always cherish the memories of our times together both on and off the ship. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
David Sipes
February 8, 2013
I am very proud of my baby brother and will miss him greatly.
Mary Jacinto
February 7, 2013
Dearest Mrs. Sipes, I cannot convey how much we loved Mr. Sipes. Michelle and I really enjoyed being able to take care of him! Please know that you and Mr. Sipes and your family are always in our prayers. God Bless you!
((((hugs))))
Mary Jacinto, RN
Tricia White
February 7, 2013
Dear Ruth, We have fond memories of you & Joel, as neighbors, in Glen Burnie, MD. We are saddened by his passing and send our heartfelt sympathy. In the memories you and your family cherish, may you find peace.
Tricia & Walt White
February 7, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear about Joel's passing. From my first meeting with him in '76 when I had a Strike Team and he was in W at HQ, through relieving him in Houston and the many projects we worked on together as consultants after retirement, he always had great ideas and suggestions for me. We'll all miss him.
Bill Monson
February 7, 2013
To Ruth, family and friends of Joel Sipes... heartfelt hugs and peace in this difficult time... what a light he will continue to be for many. Laura
Rich Softye
February 6, 2013
Admiral Sipes was a man all Coast Guard men and women could look up to as an approachable leader and friend to many. So long to a great man may memories of him and his accomplishments in life live on forever.
Patty Adams
February 6, 2013
Ruth, my thoughts are with you and your family in these difficult times.
Judie Williams
February 6, 2013
Well done THY good and faithful servant.
Daryl Dirks
February 6, 2013
God bless the family, I will remember my time in the 1st with the Adm forever. He was the leader, the mentor and a friend. Smooth seas and following winds. MCPO
February 6, 2013
Eternal Father, Lord of Hosts
Watch o'r all those who guard our coasts
Protect them from the raging seas
And give them life, and light, and peace. Amen
February 5, 2013
He was a great man, always smiling, and my family was proud to call him "extended family." Sympathy and condolences to all who were blessed in knowing him. Cindy, Ami-Ruth, John-David, and Lillyann Alice Overton.
Armand Chapeau
February 5, 2013
Joel Sipes was my co-worker, my senior and my friend while I was in New Orleans. My wife Betty and I enjoyed his and Ruth's company on more than one occasion. He was a gentleman, a friend and an outstanding human being. There are not many like him in the world and he will be missed.
Armand (Toby) and Betty Chapeau
Roy Maas
February 5, 2013
As a former member of the Class of '59, Joel's passing brings fond memories of our time at CGA. May he rest in peace. The world is a better place for his being here.
Mike Usher
February 5, 2013
Thank you Admiral for the honorable service to gave to the Coast Guard your family and your community.
Reino Ecklord
February 4, 2013
One of the great ones has left us. Joel Sipes could always get the best out of you and inspire you to reach beyond the possible. He treated everyone like family ... a truly wonderful human being that the world is a lessor place without.
Phil Marsh
February 4, 2013
Will miss Joel. Will always remember the trip I took to Colorado with him and his son and the wonderful Lobster dinners we enjoyed when he visited the NC coast. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ruth and the family. Phil and Dawn And Margie Lillian Atlantic Beach, NC
Kent Williams
February 4, 2013
I relieved Joel as Commander, First Coast Guard District upon the occasion of his retirement. Those were big shoes to fill! Wherever I went, I learned how well respected and well liked Joel was.
He & Ruthie hosted Gerry & me at the Flag Quarters for a weekend visit in advance of the change of command to help make our transition to Boston easier. We could not have had more thoughtful and generous hosts. What a great couple!
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ruth and the entire family at this most difficult time.
Kent & Gerry
BMC Ron Chapman
February 4, 2013
The world is a better place for having a great and wonderful man like Joel Sipes on this earth. Gone but not forgotten by those who served with him, his legacy will live on forever.
Rest in Peace my friend! God has surely blessed your life.
Tom Sullard
February 4, 2013
I'm very sad to hear of Rear Admiral Joel Sipes' passing. He was an inspirational leader in the Coast Guard and it was a pleasure to serve in the front office for him while he was First District Commander. He was an excellent boss and a friend! I wish comfort and peace to his family during this difficult time.
Forrest Croom, Retired MCPO
February 4, 2013
Admiral Sipes was a fine officer and shipmate.
Lacy Jones
February 4, 2013
I go way back with Joel. I was a freshman at GW high school in Alexandria,VA,in 1955, a pvt. in the cadet corp where Joel was my capt. He was an inspiration to me even at that early stage. I heard of his passing from another cadet. I will always remember him as a classmate and friend.
Tom Cunningham
February 4, 2013
The loss of Joel is a blow to CGA'59, always a great friend.
Don Hoffer
February 4, 2013
I will always remember when my classmate, Admiral Sipes ,then Commander of the First Coast Guard District in Boston, invited me to dinner at his residence at the lighthouse at Beverly Farms, with his wife, mother-in-law and Admiral Pete Bunch in attendance. His generous invitation was most appreciated. May he rest in peace.
John Lockwood
February 4, 2013
I was an unabashed Joel Sipes fan, and had orders to be his chief of staff in D1. However,I didn't get the chance to serve with him out of Boston and therefore missed a tour I know I would have enjoyed immensely. God rest you, Joel.
Bill Schobert
February 4, 2013
Joel was a joy to have as a classmate and personal friend at the Coast Guard Academy. It was always a pleasure to see him at our class reunions in the more recent past. He will be missed.
Jan Ecklord
February 4, 2013
I am very sad to hear this news, Admiral Sipes was a wonderful man.
Jim Hull
February 4, 2013
Joel was my tactics officer when I was a cadet and a mentor during my career. His smile was contagious and the love for his wife and family always present. I am fortunate he "touched" my life.
February 4, 2013
My sincere condolences to the family of our CG classmate. Bob Shenkle
Craig Lloyd
February 4, 2013
Our world is a little darker this morning as the best mentor, greatest boss, and true friend is gone. The stories of our times together will always brighten my heart. Thank you God for putting him in my life. I'll miss you my friend.
Tim Clements
February 4, 2013
Admiral BMC Clements USCG ret we never met but I had shipmates that worked for you and said you were a outstanding shipmate. Rest in piece shipmate we relieve you of the watch. I salute you sir for you honoring us with your service.
Jesse Brackeen
February 4, 2013
Joel was a great man, I will miss him, God bless you Mr. Sipes
February 3, 2013
Joel was a truly warm and friendly friend when I knew him at the academy. I will truly miss his great smile at the next class of '59 gathering. Karen Brown(Robert D. Brown)
Bob Workman
February 3, 2013
I was sad to hear of Joel's death. We were classmates in the class of 1959 at the Coast Guard Academy. I also knew him in elementary school in Arlington County, VA. God bless you all, and God bless Joel's soul.
Mary Weaver Mann
February 3, 2013
Stephanie, I surmise that you learned many of your compassionate, nurturing ways from your Father.
May God shine His Face upon all of you.
February 3, 2013
Ron Florence
February 3, 2013
Please accept my condolence to Joel's family and friends. I was a classmate of Joel's at George Washington High School in Alexandria, Virginia.
Biff Holt
February 3, 2013
Joel was a mentor and friend whose contributions to international maritime safety are a testament to his life. He was an important person in my life.
February 2, 2013
From The 3 D's at Ithaca, Nebraska We wiil miss you,Cuz!!
lisa battles
February 2, 2013
I did not know him very well, but when I was around him he exuded warmth, genuine interest, and compassion.
Pam Fulbright-Scheyer
February 2, 2013
He blessed so many lives. I will always cherish the memories of those special times at UM Army and working together at Mission Milby and Servants of Christ. Joel always had a smile on his face and lit up my day whenever I saw him. I will miss him very much. May God give you all comfort and peace.
Lesa Sipes-Eser
February 2, 2013
You will be missed by so many.Your last command was your most courageous.
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