George Robert Shipley

George R. Shipley December 30, 1962 — July 12, 2026 George R. Shipley, 63, of Kankakee, passed away unexpectedly at home with his fiancé by his side on July 12, 2026. He was born December 30, 1962 at Morris Hospital to William and Eleanora (Wray) Shipley, both preceding him in death. He spent his early years in Mazon, moved to Emington in second grade, and graduated from Saunemin High School in 1981 where he excelled in graphic arts. He moved to Kankakee that same year and made it his home. George worked from a young age — baling hay and detasseling corn, and playing music publicly then on to maintenance, graphic art design and being supervisor at Custom Farm Seed in Dwight. In 1991 he joined Roofers Local 11 to support his growing family, but playing music was his passion. George “involuntarily” retired in 2018. He then spent five years as an Illinois Central School bus driver and then delivering auto parts, supporting his love of all things “gearhead.” Music was his true passion. Given his first stringed instrument at age 5, he played honky-tonks with his dad before he could legally drink. He went on to play in many area bands including the Red River Band, Shadows of Tyme, Rat Bastard, GOTCHYA, Skeleton Crew, and Vigilance. Ryland Gagnon was a tremendous influence and mentor to George when he started playing with the Red River Band in 1980, teaching him to be a responsible member of bands, how to treat the people who hired them as well as those who were there to listen and dance. He became known as “George Effin’ Shipley” with his signature Bon Scott scream and his trademark “Allllriiiiight!” George had a following that would fill whatever venue he was playing showing us just how well he shared his passions and the love from friends and fans alike. He was honored with the 2020 Kankakee Area Music Lifetime Achievement Award. An avid motorcyclist, everyone knew his beloved Chopper, his love of gearhead culture, and his heart of gold. He spent the last 11 years with his lady love, Gina Kiss, traveling, riding motorcycles together, and living life to its fullest. George is survived by his fiancé, Gina Kiss; first wife Vicki (Keith) Winn; siblings William (Ellen) Shipley, Melody Grim, Kathy Pristas, Valerie Shipley (Dennis Skelly), and Chuck (Jennifer) Shipley; children Jason (Shelly) Shipley, Michele (Kevin) Fischer, Matthew Shipley, Lauren Shipley and bonus daughter Jericka Kiss (Chase Coatney); five granddaughters; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life is being scheduled for Saturday, August 8th at the Aroma Park Boat Club. A short service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Details forthcoming.

George Robert Shipley

December 30, 1962 - July 12, 2026