AMADO, ARIZ. - Jerome Clell Shippy, 71 Amado, AZ formally of McConnell Ill., beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away Wednesday, September 22, 2010 quietly in his home. Born December 28 1938 to Lawrence Shippy and Pearl (Davidson) Shippy in Waddams Township. January 24, 1959 he married Karon Wyssbrod in Freeport. February 24, 1989 he married Debra Heap at their home in Amado, AZ. He worked at Micro Switch until 1968 when he and Karon started their own business the Forreston Dog Kennels, Forreston, IL, and in 1974 they started Shippy's Tavern of McConnell, IL. He moved to AZ where he started his own Handy Man Business. Jerome was a McConnell volunteer Fireman and he volunteered as a youth mentor for Pima County AZ and also belonged to Santa Cruz Valley Horseman's Club. He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law Ray Heap and brother-in-law Robert "Bob" Elsworth. He is survived by his wife Debra, children Tamra "Tammy" Shippy Capps Jennings and husband Tim Jennings of Rochelle, IL; Jerome Jr. "Joe" Shippy and wife Jody Larson of Pearl City; Sisters Phyllis and Allen Broge of AZ; Charlene and Jack Blotz of Mineral Point WI and Joan Elsworth of Gulfport MS. Grandchildren Nicky Shippy Betthauser, Zachary and Kerstan Shippy, Tiffiny Capps and Tyler Jennings. Great Grandchildren Hannah and Hailey Betthauser and Leiya Joy Smith along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will take place Sunday September 26, 2010 from 3pm to 6pm at Leamons Funeral Home in Lena, IL. Funeral services will be at 10am Monday September 27 at McConnell United Methodist Church. Burial will be at Silent Hill McConnell IL.