James V. Shipley

James V. Shipley, lovingly known as "Pa," went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on February 14, 1944, James lived a life marked by hard work, faith, and love for his family. He dedicated many years to making an honest living as a self-employed brick mason before spending more than 30 years with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation as a foreman. Throughout his career, he worked on many historic restoration projects and took great pride in preserving the craftsmanship and history of Colonial Williamsburg. An avid hunter, fisherman, gifted woodworker, and natural storyteller, James found joy in the outdoors and in working with his hands. Whether he was on the water, in the woods, or in his workshop, he loved sharing stories from years gone by, making those around him laugh while preserving treasured family memories. If you were lucky enough to spend time with James, chances were you left with a story—one that made you laugh, taught you something, or reminded you of the importance of family. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Virginia Anne Shipley; his daughters, Nancy Whitman (Randy), Mary Anne Faulkner (Keith), and Vicki Ambrose (Lawrence); his grandchildren, Amanda Smith (Gary), Brandon Faulkner (Morgan), Lauren White (Aaron), Nicholas Whitman, Nathaniel Whitman (Morgan), and Julie Napier (Hunter); his great-grandchildren, Callieanne Smith, Brantlee Smith, Andrew White, Annie White, and Lainey Grace Smith; and one expected great-grandchild, Anne Claire Faulkner. James rejoices in being reunited with his parents and many other beloved family members who welcomed him home into eternity. Of all the accomplishments in his life, James was most proud of the life he built alongside his sweetheart, Virginia. Together, they created a family that became his greatest joy and his proudest legacy. Nothing brought him more happiness than watching their family grow through the generations. He treasured every moment spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, hard work, love, and quiet strength that will continue to live on in each generation of his family. Though his chair may now sit empty, his stories will continue to be told, his values will continue to guide his family, and his love will be carried forward for generations to come. While his presence will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort and peace in knowing he is healed, reunited with loved ones who have gone before him, and forever rejoicing in the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ. 

The family will receive friends on Monday, July 20, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Locust Grove Church. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 12:00 pm at Locust Grove Church. Interment will follow at Windsor Gardens Cemetery & Mausoleum, Dutton. Faulkner Funeral Homes, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews, is assisting the family.