Dr. Jimmie LeRoy Shipman

Services for Dr. Jimmie Shipman will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 2:00pm at Claremore First Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 19, from 1:00-7:00pm with family greeting friends from 5:00-7:00pm at MMS-Payne Funeral Home. Burial will be held on Friday, February 20, at 11:00am at Summitview Cemetery in Guthrie, OK.

Dr. Jimmie Leroy Shipman, lovingly known as “Jim,” “Doc,” and most treasured of all, “Papa,” passed away peacefully on his farm in Claremore, Oklahoma, on February 11, 2026, at the age of 79.

Jim was born on November 30, 1946, in Guthrie, Oklahoma, to Leroy and Norma Shipman. He graduated from Guthrie High School in 1964. During his college years, he worked summers as a roughneck on oil rigs around the Guthrie area. He often shared that working those long, hot days on the rigs motivated him to spend even longer hours studying in the Edmon Low Library at Oklahoma State University during the school year. That determination shaped the course of his life.

In 1970, he graduated from the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Shortly after graduation, Jim joined the United States Army, where he proudly served with the rank of Captain. His love for Oklahoma State never faded — he remained a devoted Cowboy for life.

In 1972, Jim married the love of his life, Cynthia Horton Shipman, in Enid, Oklahoma. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service to their community.

Dr. Shipman built a remarkable veterinary practice that continues to thrive and grow today. Care and community were the cornerstones of his philosophy, and the many beloved staff members who stood beside him for years carry that legacy forward. He was widely known and respected as an exceptional equine veterinarian throughout his community and across the state of Oklahoma.

Over the course of more than fifty years in practice, Dr. Shipman generously shared his knowledge and experience with countless clients, colleagues, and young veterinarians. He believed that education was not something to guard, but something to give away freely. Whether in the clinic, inside a barn, or leaning on a fence post discussing a case, he took time to teach, explain, and encourage. His impact reaches far beyond the animals he treated — it lives on in the many professionals and families he helped guide along the way.

Dr. Shipman also invested deeply in the future of his profession, serving for many years on the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine Board of Admissions and offering consultation and support to the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association. In addition to his clinical work, he served in a teaching role at Rogers State University, instructing equine-related courses and sharing his experience with students pursuing higher education.

Jim earned the rank of Master Mason through the Vinita Masonic Lodge in 1975 and was a longtime member and Elder of First Presbyterian Church of Claremore. Jim lived his faith through action. He faithfully supported the church’s mission and ministry, dedicating his time and leadership wherever it was needed. Through years of service on the Building and Grounds Committee and in other capacities, he quietly helped strengthen the foundation of the church he loved.

But beyond the titles and accomplishments, Jim’s greatest joy was his family — and being a “Papa.”

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Cynthia Shipman of Claremore, Oklahoma; his children, Dr. Jeffrey Shipman and wife Dr. Stacia Shipman of Edmond, Oklahoma; Katie Alcorn and husband Steve of Kiefer, Oklahoma; and Betsy Birchett and husband Craig of Claremore, Oklahoma.

He was a proud and devoted Papa to his grandchildren: Max, Maisie, and Mollie Shipman; and Brett and Claire Alcorn — each of whom brought him immeasurable pride and joy.

Family and faith were the center of Jim’s entire existence. He loved Oklahoma State athletics, weekends in Stillwater, and summers at the lake, spending time with family and friends on the different boats he owned over the years. He was known among family and friends for his exceptional skill in water skiing. He cherished family vacations — especially trips to Oklahoma State bowl games. One unforgettable Houston Bowl trip spanned seven days, crossed four states, and included one packed Ford Expedition, seven people, a brand-new puppy, luggage crammed into every conceivable space, and a fully loaded hitch hauler. While others might have felt the strain, Jim was happiest because he was surrounded by his family and closest friends.

Jim loved the outdoors, playing dominoes, studying Oklahoma history, and embracing Native American culture. He enjoyed letting newspapers stack up and was always ready to share an “interesting” article with anyone willing to listen. There was never a shortage of gloves, belts, or hats lying around — whether at home, in the clinic, or in whatever vehicle or tractor he happened to be driving. He loved a cold Dr Pepper, an occasional cold beer, Braum’s milkshakes, and was known to pull a Subway sandwich from inside his jacket at the most unexpected moments.

He was known for saying, “Life’s great if you don’t weaken,” and “Vote ’em out.” He lived with conviction, humor, and steadfast strength.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Norma Shipman; his sisters, Patty Mahar and Bertha Harraman; and his mother-in-law, Arabella Millican.

Dr. Jimmie Leroy Shipman leaves behind a legacy of faith, community service, generosity in sharing his professional knowledge, and unwavering love for his family, friends, and clients. His life was well lived, and his impact will endure for generations.