James L. Shipley

James. L. Shipley, 75, of Warren, passed away peacefully at 6:31 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at St. Joseph Health Center. He was born September 27, 1935 in New Philadelphia, Ohio, the son of Melvin M. and Sarah A. (Smith) Shipley, and had lived in Trumbull County for over thirty years.

A 1954 graduate of New Philadelphia High School, Mr. Shipley joined the Ohio National Guard Battery "A" when the unit was commissioned. While still in high school he attained the rank of Sergeant First Class and Platoon Sergeant before his discharge. Also, while still in school, he worked as an announcer with radio station WJER, and then as chief announcer and program director. Later, he moved to Salem to join WSOM, the largest FM station in Ohio, where he became station and sales manager.

After fifteen years in broadcasting, he became public relations and communications director for Copperweld Steel. Six years later, he established the community relations department for St. Joseph Hospital, and served ten years in administration. Meanwhile, he returned to college at night and on weekends, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Hiram College. He later studied in the fast-track master's program at Case Western Reserve University.

He completed his career with A.D.S. Machinery, setting up their human resource department and serving as director for over ten years. Along the way, he earned several awards and honors for communications and public relations.

He was president of the Trumbull County Board on Alcohol for three terms, a volunteer for Gateway Rehabilitation, helped establish the New Start Treatment Center at St. Joseph Health Center, and volunteered with three other treatment centers. For his work in alcohol recovery, he was named a Kentucky Colonel. He was also a faithful member of A.A. for nearly thirty years.

He was a board member of the Trumbull County Red Cross for fourteen years, and also served as president of the Western Reserve Chapter of the Public Relations Society. A former member of the Warren Rotary, Elks, Ruritan, and the Ohio Farm Bureau, he had been active with the Trumbull County Society for Psychic Research and the Tuscarawas County Historical Society.

His favorite pastimes were reading, target shooting, and photography.

Surviving is his wife, Norma C. (Bulford) Gehrlein Shipley, whom he married February 14, 1987; several nieces and a special nephew, Neal, great-nieces and great-nephews; and his beloved four-legged companion, Tahsha. Preceding him in death are his parents and a brother, Lammone Shipley.

A memorial service will be conducted 12:00 noon Monday, April 4, 2011 at Tod Avenue United Methodist Church, with Rev. Mark Vincent officiating. Friends may call 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Monday at the church. Material contributions may be made to Tod Avenue United Methodist Church, 155 Tod Avenue N.W., Warren, Ohio 44485.

Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland & Son Funeral Services Co., 271 N. Park Ave., Warren, Ohio 44481. Please visit www.mcfarlandfuneral.com to view this obituary and send condolences.