John ("Country") Charles Shipman

John ("Country" ) Charles Shipman Sr, of Loves Park, Illinois passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, at his home. Cremation services provided by Stateline Cremation, Loves Park, IL.

John was born August 18, 1938 in Springfield, MO to John Coleman Cline Shipman and Ina Pearl (Hood) Shipman-Collins.

John joined the Army immediately after graduating Fairfax High School in 1957 and was honorably discharged with recognition of Good Conduct Medal, and Sharpshooter Badge (Carbine) in Fort Sheridan, Illinois three years later.

John had a diverse career in his lifetime, and retired from All Rental Garment Company after 34 years of service - a job he thoroughly enjoyed, and gained lifelong friendships with coworkers, as well as one that gave him the opportunity to meet Janice in 1986, and marry February 5, 1988.

John loved racing and riding the varied motorcycles he owned, as well as working on cars. He was adept at carpentry work, and was a very creative poetry writer. John loved to sing, and his doppelganger was also his favorite singer - Merle Haggard. John enjoyed the competitive sport of golf, bowling, fishing, and hunting, and although an avid Cardinal baseball fan, he grew to love the Cubs his wife was constantly rooting to win. John had the bluest eyes, the gentlest smile, and a Southern drawl that only added to his charm.

John leaves behind his wife Janice, his son Johnny Ray (Tonya) Shipman of Fairfax, OK, son John Jr. (Eileen) Shipman of Loves Park, IL, daughter Sindy August (Randy Vaughn) of Branford, FL, daughter Dona (John) Jenkins of Loves Park, IL, and former son-in-law Clint August of South Beloit, WI, as well as 13 grandchildren; Brandi Shipman (Troy Henderson) of El Dorado, KS, Brandon Shipman (Jordan Erin Moncrief) of Craig, CO, Nicole (Cameron) Bush of Phoenix, AZ, Shelby (Jesse) Yee of Pittsburg PA, Dustin (Natalie) McCracken of Machesney Park, IL, Jason McCracken of Bozeman, MT, Jamie McCracken (Jake Hubert) of Rockford, IL, Jessica (T.J.) Gill of Loves Park, IL, Joshua (Hope) August of Rockford, IL , Sammantha Smith (Jordan Lopez) of Oregon, IL, Brandi Jenkins (Joe Humphrey) of Loves Park, IL, Melissa (Heath) Pierce of Machesney Park, IL, and Amanda Jenkins (Mason Woolman) of Seward, IL, and over 25 great grandchildren, as well as sister Kay (Jesse) Trent of Ozark, MO, and several nieces and nephews and a very special adopted brother and lifelong friend, Ron (Joan) Messbarger of Bellville, IL.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Pat Smith and brother-in-law Ron Smith, sister Gayle (Tom) Adler, Nova Scotia, and great grandson Corbin Shipman, Craig Colorado.

The family wishes to extend a special, heartfelt thanks to Mo Cara Hospice and all their caring staff, especially his favorite nurse Sarah.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2025 from 2-5 pm at the Fraternal Order of Eagles located at 3829 11th street, Rockford, Illinois.