James Preston “Jim” Shipman of Horse Shoe, NC went to his heavenly home on Monday, September 9th 2024.  A lifelong resident of Henderson County, Jim was born August 9, 1940 to Frank and Louise Shipman. He was steadfastly dedicated to his wife, Mtn. View Missionary Baptist Church in Zirconia where he was a member for many, many years, his Henderson County school bus route that he ran for 43 years, and the Etowah-Horse Shoe Fire Department, where he served for an amazing, 60 + years. 

Jim also ran a very successful small engine repair shop in Horse Shoe for countless years.  In his free time he could be seen in Maggie Valley camping with his wife at PRIDE Resort, or simply at home watching the various TV shows they loved to enjoy together.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Ruth, his adopted family; Linda Hughey (Steve) of Boiling Springs, Mike Huggins (Heather) of Etowah, and Ed Whitehead of Etowah; his adopted granddaughters, whom he has cherished since birth, Lindsey Wyatt (Ethan) of Hendersonville and Jimma Fain (Justin) of Mooresville; his many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law who he adored and loved dearly; and all of his Fire and Church Families whom he loved with all of his heart. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, and will be laid to rest beside them at Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, Thursday September 12th, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home.  A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, September 13th at 1:00pm at Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery in Hendersonville.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Mtn. View Missionary Baptist Church, c/o The Adam Bishop Mission Fund or to the Etowah Horse Shoe Fire & Rescue Department.   

Forest Lawn Funeral Home has the honor of serving the family.