Date of death: 4/12/2013

Saint Meinrad Class: O 1968

James E. Sonny” Schipp, 71, of Wesley Chapel, FL passed away on Friday, April 12, 2013.He was born in Ferdinand, Indiana and moved to FL in 1960. Jim served in the United States Coast Guard. He was better known as Jim or Sonny to his family and countless friends. Jim never knew a stranger and was an instant friend to everyone he met. His greatest joys in life were his wife, Rose, his children and his grandchildren. He was a wonderful husband, an outstanding dad, and a joy to have as a Papa. Jim retired from Tampa Bay Water and was enjoying life as a retiree. He was preceded in death by his mom and dad, Edna and Hubert Schipp. Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Rose; his children, Rhonda Starks (Keith), Roxanne Schipp, Rebecca Miller (Bill), and James Schipp (Sheri). Jim has eleven adoring grandchildren who will carry on his legacy. They are Lauren, Connor, Aubrey , Joshua, Joseph, Lindsay, Brooke, Katie-Rose, Natalie, Will, and Abigail. He is also survived by his siblings, Jeanne Hand (Wayne), Jerry Schipp (Bev), and Joni Cagle (Sam) as well as seven nephews and five nieces. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, April 20th at the North Tampa Church of Christ, 3611 E. County Line Rd., Lutz, FL. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Crohns and Colitis Foundation for Jim’s grandson, Connor.”