James L. Shimp

Jim Shimp of Fairborn, Ohio, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 16, 2024.

Born James Lee Shimp, on January 28, 1938, to William and Gaynell (Kelly) Shimp in Toledo, Ohio. The fifth of eight children, he spent most of his childhood and teen years in Gibsonburg, Ohio.

In 1955, at the age of seventeen, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. In 1957, while stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base he met the love of his life, Bessie Conway. In August of '57, they were married and would spend the next sixty-six (+) years building a life together. In May of 1958, Jim would become a father to a daughter Pam and in May of 1963 to a son Randy.

After his time in the service, Jim would join the construction crew building I-75 operating heavy equipment, following work north all the way up to St. Ignace, Michigan. In 1964, he would then return to the Dayton area, settling in Fairborn. This is the place he would call home from then on. After a short stint at Frigidaire, Jim landed the job that he would come to be known for by family and friends; a Greyhound bus driver. For nearly three decades he would take people to some of the most iconic locations in North America. In 1990, Jim would retire from Greyhound, but he retained his CDL and continued to drive for nearly another thirty years.

1990 was also the year that Jim would embark on what he would argue was his greatest and most rewarding adventure; being a Papa to his two grandchildren AJ and Abby, and his three great-grandsons, Owen, Alden, and Oliver.

Jim found genuine joy in helping those in need. It was his vast life experiences that made him, in his words, "a man who knew a lot about a little, and a little about a lot." From home maintenance, to car repair, and helping with yard work, especially mowing the grass with his son-in-law Dave, Jim never hesitated to help out when and where he could and that is the true testament to his life.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by many brothers and sisters: Bill Shimp, Bob Shimp, Jack Shimp, Nancy Young, Judy Henrick and Tom Shimp; father-in-law, Elisha Conway; mother-in-law, Winnie Conway; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Berton Conway, Geraldene Conway, James Conway, Lewis Conway, David (Carol) Conway and Hubert Conway.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Bessie Shimp; daughter, Pam Owen (David); son, Randy Shimp; grandchildren: AJ Owen (Amanda) and Abby Alexander (Michael); great-grandchildren: Owen Alexander, Alden Owen and Oliver Alexander; brother, Don Shimp; sisters-in-law: Diane Shimp, Anita Conway, Louise Conway and Margaret Conway; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Newcomer Funeral Home, North Chapel, 4104 Needmore Road, where the funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm. Burial to follow at Enon Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to First Baptist Church of Fairborn.

To share a memory of Jim or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.

Jim's funeral will be live streamed at the scheduled service time. Click Here to view the service.