James Tippins

Burlington, NC Sergeant Major James Underwood Tippins, age 69, of 2167 Bellemont-Alamance Road went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 31, 2008 at Alamance Regional Medical Center. He was a native of Zephyrhills, Florida and the husband of 50 years to Gilda Marie Edwards Tippins who survives. James retired as a Sergeant Major after 21 years, 11 months and 30 days with the US Army. He received training as a para-trooper and his main duties were with the Chaplain Administration. He served during the Vietnam War and received several bronze stars for gallantry. James worked for 16 years with Terminex and later 12 years with Clegg's Termite Control before retiring to spend time at home with his family. He served for several years as the Associate Pastor for Cornerstone Community Church after being ordained and he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher during his lifetime in the ministry. James was a member of Shamrock Evangelical Methodist Church and a very devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He had many hobbies including golf and playing the guitar and providing music for family gatherings. Survivors include his wife, Gilda Marie Edwards Tippins of the home; daughters and sons-in-law, Andrea "Andi" Ward and her husband, David of Burlington, Jamie O'Daniel and her husband, Darryl of Snow Camp, Erin Tippins and Dean Bowman of Liberty, Tina Rena Oakes of Graham; son, Dwayne Kevin Tippins and Michelle "Candy" Hinely of Burlington; ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren; sister, Mavine Cropper of Burlington; brothers, Bill Tippins of Alexandria, Virignia and Bo Bryan of Durham and his two dogs, Buck and Bear. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bedell Akins and Blanche Burnette Tankersley Tippins; two brothers and two sisters. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Shamrock Evangelical Methodist Church by Rev. Jimmy Burke and the visitation will follow the service at the church. Military Honors will be provided by the 82nd Airborne Division from Ft. Bragg at the conclusion of the memorial service. The family will be at the home at other times. Memorials may be made to Shamrock Evangelical Methodist Church, C/O The Building Fund, 3519 Maple Avenue, Burlington, NC 27215. You may sign the online register book at www.lowefuneralhome.com