Reverend James Carver Shipman

Paster Emeritus James C. Shipman of Midway Georgia, transitioned to his heavenly home on Saturday January 3, 2026.

He was the youngest son of Deacon L. Bennett and Evangelist Juanita Shipman.

Rev. Shipman graduated from Liberty County High School in 1957 and enlisted in the United States Air Force. Rev. Shipman attended University of District of Columbia married his wife Dr. Kermetta Clark Shipman, settled in Washington DC and had 3 children: Jeretta, Bennett and Vivienne.

Rev. Shipman was involved in many civic organizations, movements and made historic accomplishments all through out his life. Just to name a few he was a Civilian Personnel Officer and an EEO Director at Ft Stewart Military Base where he retired as the highest ranking African American. He also was the NAACP President of Liberty County where he earned the top Life Time membership and historically enrolled more members during his time. He served as Mayor for Midway Georgia, and he was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Rev. Shipman got his early religious training at Calvary Baptist Church where his grandfather Rev. W.C. Shipman was the ordained minister. He was an ordained minister at the Bolton Street Baptist Church and became Paster Emeritus after 20+ years.

Rev. Shipman was preceded in death by: his wife Dr. Kermetta Shipman of 58 years, his parents Deacon L. Bennett and Evangelist Juanita Shipman, brother LC Shipman, his sister Vondell Jones and his son Bennett Shipman.

He leaves to celebrate his memory two daughters: Jeretta (Vann) Shipman Holland of Avenel, New Jersey and Dr. Vivienne (Gregory) Shipman Neal of Midway, Georgia. He lives on through his six grandchildren: Vann (Tre) Holland III, Vania Holland, Vince Holland, Gregory Neal, Vivica Neal, and Vivianna Kermetta Shipman plus 6 great grands: Vann Holland IV, Mateo Neal, Vaedan Stoddart, Vaeda Stoddart, Tydon Neal-Bonds and Vega Holland, one niece: LaVelle Jones; one grand nephew: Tony Jones of Pembroke GA; two sisters-in-law: Jenefer Ford of Clayton, GA and LaVone Clark of Atlanta GA; one brother-in-law: Roosevelt Clark of Clayton, GA; State Representative Al Williams & Chiquita Williams of Midway GA, Deacon Maurice Williams, Charles Frazier of Hinesville GA and a host of cousins, friends and associates.

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