James (Jim) J Shipway, 77, of Endicott, died peacefully in his sleep with his family at his side after an extended illness. He was predeceased by his parents, Ed and Arloween Shipway. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Anita Shipway; his daughter, Anne Ochiai, of Endicott; two grandsons, Zachary and Joshua Wahl both of Endicott; brothers Richard (Anita) Shipway and John (Lynne) Shipway; Sisters-in-Law Ellen (Eugene) Burns of Vestal, NY and Diane (Edward) Miller of Grand Junction, CO; Brother-in-Law Don (Susan) Kany of Denver, CO; as well as many nieces and nephews. Jim retired from Visions Federal Credit Union and M&T Bank. He was a member of St Ambrose Church and sang weekly in the folk group and most recently a member of Our Lady of Good Council Church in Endicott. He was a veracious reader (especially his daily newspaper), loved to play games of any type, and take day trips with his wife. One of the most memorable family traditions that he started hosting in the mid-70’s was the Mother’s Day Chicken Barbeque for all the mothers in his life. He found his place in retirement as a volunteer for Meal on Wheels loving the socialization with the clients as well as fellow volunteers, as well as a Board of Election Poll Inspector. The family would like to thank his doctors, especially, Dr. Bert Cagir, nurses, especially Wanda Foote, at Robert Packer Hospital and the kind staff and volunteers at Mercy House of the Southern Tier who made his final days comfortable and peaceful. They would also like to thank our family, extended family and friends that have been a constant source of support and strength, especially during these past few extraordinarily difficult months. As a final gift of generosity, Jim has gifted his body to Upstate Medical Center, in the hopes that something can be learned from his lifelong suffering of Colitis and Crones Disease.
A Celebration Mass of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday May 20, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Church of the Holy Family, 3600 Phyllis Street, Endwell, NY. The family will receive friends Saturday at church following the Mass. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Mercy House of the Southern Tier, 212 North McKinley Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760 or Meals on Wheels of Western Broome, 705 West Main Street, Endicott, NY 13760.