Funeral service being held Saturday for Tuskegee Airman James Shipley

TIPTON, Mo. (KMIZ)

A funeral service is being held Saturday to honor a fallen hero, Tuskegee Airman James Shipley.

Visitation for Shipley will begin Saturday at 11:00 a.m. following a funeral service at 1:00 p.m at Prairie Grove Baptist Church in Tipton, Missouri.

Shipley passed away at 99-years-old after celebrating his birthday in early July. While in the military, James Shipley served as a mechanic with the 332nd fighter group of the U.S. Army Air Forces during WWII.

Shipley is survived by his wife Mildred, three children, eight grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

To honor his service, organizers from the "Flagman’s Mission Continues" will gather volunteers to set up over 700 American flags in Tipton.

Shipley also served as a board member for U.S. Exercise Tiger Commemorative Foundation, and was a dear friend to the vets and staff.

USTF National Director Susan Haines said, Shipley will be missed.

“Sgt. Shipley represents the best of our state, our nation, our military and its heritage. he not only was part of the Greatest Generation  he , himself, was great to all he met.” Haines said.

 “We will miss him and his smile. A significant piece of history has passed before us, but his legacy will live on” Haines added.

Shipley will also have a full Military Honors on Monday at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville.