Obituary of Neil James Shipman

The world lost a kind and gentle man with the death of Neil J. Shipman, 75, on November 5, 2016. Born in Williamsport PA, he was the son of the late Burton D. and Eileen McNamara Shipman and was raised in Montoursville PA. Neil graduated from Lycoming College in 1963 and started his long career in education teaching in Montoursville. He earned a master's degree in school administration from the University of Maryland in 1970 and a doctorate in policy analysis at the University of Southern California in 1980. Neil served as a school principal in Frederick County MD and as a principal and central office administrator in Montgomery County MD. Retiring from public education in 1992, he worked as a project director for the Council of Chief State School Officers in Washington, DC, where he directed the development of the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium Standards for School Leaders, his crowning achievement as an educator. The remainder of his professional career was spent as a clinical associate professor of school leadership at the University of Memphis (1998-2000) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2001-2016). His favorite job in over 50 years in school leadership was as an elementary school principal. Always active in the communities in which he lived, Neil served on several nonprofit boards, especially in Chapel Hill, where he was former president of the boards of directors of Residential Services, Inc., and the Chapel Hill Community Chorus. A lifelong singer, he loved his time singing with the Paul Hill Chorale in Washington, DC, and the Chapel Hill Community Chorus. He was a devout Catholic and found his time as a member of the Men's Spirituality Group of St. Thomas More Catholic Community to be the most religious and spiritual moments of his life. Neil is survived by his wife of 29 years, Linda (Sheetz) Shipman; 5 children, Rebecca Smith (Jay Doherty) of Jefferson MD, Gregory Shipman (Janet) of Adamstown MD, Katherine Shipman of Chapel Hill, Megan Shipman of Chapel Hill, and foster son, Rit Lon of Bethesda MD; 6 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and countless friends. His first wife, Sandra Lee (Irion) Shipman, and his sister, Nancy Feist, predeceased him. Neil was a thoughtful person of strong principles whose liberal views on religion, politics, and life often brought forth strong reactions from friends and family. But foremost was his unswerving kindness toward and concern for humankind and all animals. He truly believed that we are our brothers' keepers. He was an avid reader who was extremely knowledgeable about history and politics. Although he did not live to see the outcome of this year's presidential election, he had cast his vote. He also loved jazz, drum corps, and baseball. Some of his happiest moments of the past year were spent at the family beach place, sitting on the deck reading, enjoying the ocean and visiting with family and friends. Neil died peacefully at home, doing what he loved—reading, most likely with his dog Zooey in his lap and his dog Moose nearby. He will be greatly missed. A funeral mass will be conducted by Neil's friend and former pastor, Rev. John Durbin, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on Nov. 15 at 10 A.M. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall, where the sharing of stories and remembrances will be welcome. Interment will be in the St. Thomas More Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Neil's honor to Residential Services, Inc., 111 Providence Rd, Chapel Hill NC 27514. Online condolences may be offered at www.walkersfuneralservice.com