Gone but never forgotten. Miss you Joshua ❤️

We will always remember Sgt Shipman as kind, gentle, always had a smile on his face, willing to help anything. And who can forget his smoking jacket 😀. We were lucky to have known him. Sgt. Shipman and his family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

I met Josh while he served at Embassy Oslo, Norway. He would always meet you with a big grin every morning as you passed Post 1, and it was the type of smile that stayed with you and was a great way of starting the day. He was very caring, and would always be the first to help with anything. As Eric says, one of my favourite memories is from the Halloween party when his costume left nothing to imagination, and was a big hit. He would always do what he could to make people around him smile, often of something he had said or done. The picture below is from the Embassy Independence Day celebration in 2018. Our MSG’s presented the color guard, in uniform. As the Embassy nurse, I was panicking that they might pass out, as it was about 30 degrees Celsius, bright sunshine, and they were all in full dress uniform. When I asked them for the 15th time to drink water and try to keep cool, Josh gave me a quick hug, and said that they would be okay. Which they were! They even took the time to take this picture with me, before stripping off their uniforms to change into something cooler. But what can be cooler than a Marine in dress uniform? Must be a Marine in a superhero suit! My thoughts go to Josh, his family and his loved ones at this difficult time. He made a lasting impression in everyone he met here in Oslo.

I had the pleasure of serving with him in Oslo, Norway. He always had a smile on his face and a constant positive attitude, his good vibe rubbed off to those around him. Very friendly individual and a good Marine. Everytime he’d see me going to the gym he would ask “is it push, pull, or leg day?.”  I remember his power ranger costume during halloween, it didn’t quite fit so he cut holes in it so he could see, it was hilarious, and then his pimped out outfit for my going away, even though the shoes didn’t match, he worked it well. May he rest in peace. Semper Fi.


I served with Josh in Oslo, Norway. He was a good friend who was always down for an adventure. This one time, we were enjoying some adult beverages on our day off work. 1am rolled around and we had the genius idea to pet the tiger statue in front of the Oslo train station. It was pitch black, torrential downpouring, we were a little drunk, and had to run the 4 miles there and back before our 3am curfew, not a problem for a pair of U.S. Marines! Josh threw-up somewhere along the way and we both miserably stumbled through the streets of Oslo. We were relieved when we made it to the tiger then quickly disappointed because we had to turn around and run the mostly uphill route back. We made it with all of 7.5 minutes to spare before our curfew. It might sound awful, but it was one of my best memories from Oslo. Two years later, I took vacation in Cape Town. I was delighted when I found out that Josh was posted there. I texted him to see if he wanted to hang out and do something. His response was, “Do you want to go shark cage diving?”. I picked him up early one morning and we drove to meet our boat captain. We stepped aboard his small double-decker fishing boat. We sat on the second deck which was narrow with small benches running from bow to stern surrounded by guard rails. Once we made it out of the bay, the captain turned the engines full blast. The wind alone was enough to knock us off our feet. It didn’t take long before we hit a swell and became completely airborne almost falling off the second deck. We grabbed onto the rails as tightly as we could just before getting hit with a couple hundred gallons of ice cold South Atlantic Ocean water. Our once dry clothes were dry no longer. We were both shivering, terrified, and were holding on for dear life. Josh and I glanced at each and could tell that we were equally terrified. To this day, that boat ride is the most dangerous thing I've done. Then we went shark cage diving and paragliding a few days later. 

I will always love my sweet grandson, Joshua.  I will miss the messages we would send back and forth to each other over the years.  My darling Joshua you will always be a part of my life.
My love to you forever,
Grandma

Shipman was one of the sweetest men I came across while serving time with the Air Force in Kabul. Anytime you needed support he was always there. He will dearly be missed but never be forgotten. 

Josh was instantly family. I met him when I was in 7th grade and he was in 8th. We had sleep overs and just the craziest of times. He always had a smile on his face and encouraged me to always be a better me and helped me become who I am today.

I remember when he told me he wanted to pursue his career into the marines and it always put a smile on his face. I watched him become a better man. We were always there for each other and I am so thankful that I could call him him my best friend. He was courageous, kind, sweet, smart, silly and just so much more. 

I will cherish every single memory that I have with him. I wanna say thank you for being a part of my life.  May he rest in peace. 

Thank you for being great to so many.
You are now everyone's Guardian.
-Condolences to all.

I have known josh Since he was like 11 or 12 years old he went to middle school with my children Harminnie and AJ at Cedar crest I love that child as if he was my own we spent like every day at our house or at his house . I remember him and my son watching Pokémon, doing homework, and our dinners together, I felt so blessed to have him and his family ( mom, sister, and his older brother)in my life. When he new what he wanted he did what it took to get no matter how hard it might be. I’m so proud of him. I will miss you josh thank u for blessing my heart with your love.... 

Josh and I only had met shortly before going to Snowshoe. Immediately I felt his bright energy and his welcoming personality. He immediately made me feel like we had been friends for years off the bat. Getting to know Josh at Snowshoe, I learned how he was a proud Marine and his life story. We later that day spent hours just talking about life, interest, and goals. Josh offered to help me in my goals without even knowing the full extent of them. That was the kind of person Josh was, a man who wanted to help everyone cause he cared for everyone. He had an open and loving heart. I’ll never forget the talks we had Josh. Rest easy. 

Josh, and I truly embodied the meaning of the family you chose. We met in 6th grade. First time we spoke, we started to list off all of the thing's we loved at the time. Pokémon, drake and Josh, and music. At the end we looked at each other, and said "did we just become best friends? Yep." At that moment it became everyone's problem, we were just the craziest duo. Full of mischievous energy. He came to live with my family most of high-school. I could write books on everything we did... When he left to bravely serve or country I was truly proud of him, and even after years of being apart when he came home nothing changed he was Josh. he truly was my brother, my best friend. I know he's at peace looking over us. I will celebrate his life, and the blessing he was in mine. 

I only met Josh recently on a trip to snowshoe, WV and knew him for a short time, but in getting to know Josh, it was easy to see how much of a kind and giving person he was. One day Josh, Bridgette and I were riding up a ski lift and my one of my skis fell off and into the forest halfway up the slope. This would have left me stranded on top of the mountain if I were by myself, but before I even had time to think of what to do, Josh was speaking with ski patrol and making his way down the mountain on a rescue mission for my ski. I hadn’t asked him to do that for me, he just immediately took charge and helped me out. About 20 minutes later, after what I’m sure was a difficult journey through the mountain, he arrived back with my ski. He barely waited for me to thank him before he was continuing on to what was next for the day. He hadn’t helped me for a “thank you” or an “atta boy”, he really just saw that I was in trouble and didn’t even think before taking care of it. I was very moved by that gesture and it was a good example of his character. He was caring, gracious, and just a genuinely good guy to be around. Rest In Peace, Josh. 

I only knew Josh for a short period of time, but in that small time he was the nicest person ever. He walked through snow to get coffee for Bridgette and I which was so nice and thoughtful. And helped me when I was injured on our ski trip. I can’t say how much I appreciated the small acts of kindness from him. I wish him peace and his family my deepest condolences. 

I only met Josh a few times and even from those short moments I knew that he was such a kind and caring person. He cared for those he loved with his whole heart and always made sure everyone felt welcome and included. It filled my heart with joy seeing how happy he made Bridgette and all the fun and funny moments they shared. I pray for peace and love for those he leaves behind. Rest In Peace 👼

Joshua and I came to be extraordinary great friends while he was working in Cape Town, South Africa.

Joshua explored Cape Town more than what I have (bear in mind I am a local). He starting showing me places that I never thought existed and opened my eyes to see the magnificent city that I live in.

No words can explain for how giving and accepting his heart was!

Joshua taught me that gratuity is extremely important especially when your friend is the one who is serving you.

Joshua was always happy to join me and my family for special occasions and family excursions. He was always respectful, pleasant and wonderful to be around.

I thank GOD every day for allowing myself and Joshua to meet and for providing the opportunity to get to know one another.

Went to snowshoe with friends for a vacation and  Met Josh for the first time. He immediately offered me a beer from what he had purchased. We talked for a bit and i thanked him for being  hospitable. He Was kind and the world definitely needs more of this, especially now. I only knew him for the week we were in snowshoe and he couldn’t of been more of a gentleman. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. I wish i had a chance to get to know him better. 

Josh, I’m so lucky to have met you on our 2021 ski trip to snowshoe mountain. I’m happy to have gotten to speak to you and see how much you love Bridgette and those around you. The world was lucky to have you. Rest In Peace. 💓

Josh was the most caring and kind hearted person I have ever met and I am so fortunate to have been able to share so many memories and good times with him. Josh was full of wisdom, and truly cared for those close to him. He was such a great mentor and leader, and respected all of his fellow USMC brothers. He had so much love for his family, especially his younger sister. Once you meet Josh, you’ll never forget his smile, laugh, and the way he cares for those he loved. I hope his beautiful soul is resting in peace and I know he’s watching over all those he loved. 

Joshua was a sweet, quiet child. He was so cute and had a devilish grin. He grew up to be a distinguished Marine. He was loved by his family, including us. He will be missed by all of us. but he is in a better place.

I loved you always.  Thank you for letting me be part of your life. I will always remember your smiles and giggles 

OBITUARY

Joshua Edward Shipman

August 12, 1996 – January 26, 2021

Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home

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