J. T. Shipman, 91, of Springfield passed from the arms of his loving family to the arms of our Lord on Saturday, October 8th, 2011 after a short illness. He was an active member of Central Christian Church, having attended there from 1955 to present. He was also a member of Gate of the Temple Masonic Lodge, and had been involved in many social groups during his lifetime. After earning a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Rolla School of Mines, J. T. joined the U. S. Army, where he served in Japan through the end of World War II. He continued serving proudly in the Army Reserves, retiring as a Major. J. T. worked as a Civil Engineer in the planning and development department of Frisco Railroad. After his retirement in 1980, he continued an active life spent with his family and managing his farm in Sparta, MO. J. T. was preceded in death almost a year ago by his wife Juanita Shipman. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Joseph M. and Georgia A. Shipman; sister, Genevieve Hawkins; and a baby sister. He is survived by his son Gene L. Shipman; daughter, Terry A. Oheim and husband Chuck; step-daughter, Beverly Manaois and husband Rick; grandchildren, Philip Manaois and wife Melissa, Pete Manaois, Lisa Potthoff and husband Tim, and David Oheim and fiancée Sarah Williams; great grandchildren, Tony and Megan Manaois. Services will be Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at Gorman Scharpf funeral home. Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m., service at 2:00 p.m., and graveside service at 4:00 p.m. in Sparta Masonic cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Christian Church, or Gate of the Temple Masonic Lodge.