Julious “Sippi” Shell

Age 89, of Wilmington, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born May 1, 1936, in Natchez, Mississippi, Julious Cruse, Jr. was the son of Julious Cruse, Sr. and Susie Mae (Green) Shell. He was raised in Natchez until 1948, when he moved to the Wilmington area after his mother accepted employment with the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant. Sippi graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1954.

On February 24, 1955, Sippi married Donna Kane, and together they built a home and raised three sons. Donna preceded him in death on March 30, 1991.

Affectionately known as “Sippi,” a nickname rooted in his Mississippi upbringing, he held various positions throughout his life, including work at Cel-Fibe and Stonebridge Paper Company, as well as Argonne National Laboratory. He later worked in sales with Lockwood Auto Sales before partnering with his friend Bill Davy to establish Wee-Sip Liquors; a business that continues today as a proud family-owned and operated establishment.

For more than five decades, Sippi played a significant role in the growth and development of the south end of Wilmington, contributing to both residential and commercial expansion. He served the community with dedication as a member of the Wilmington Planning and Zoning Commission, was a former board member of the Wilmington Park District, formerly participated as an active member in the Jaycees, served as a board member of Standard Bank, and was a member of Island City Baptist Church.

Sippi was known for his incredible work ethic and active lifestyle. In his free time, he enjoyed playing cards, exercising, walking, and spending time outdoors. He loved to travel, especially trips to Florida and the beach. In addition he found joy in birdwatching.

On May 5, 2001, Sippi married Nikki Nelson. Together, they shared a life filled with love, companionship, and the joy of their canine companions, most recently Lily and Hazel.

Family was always at the heart of Sippi’s life. He took great pride in watching his family grow and cherished every opportunity to support his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; whether at school events, during holidays, or gathered together poolside.

Sippi deeply loved Wilmington. He had a gift for conversation, never meeting a stranger, and was truly grateful for the kindness and support he received from the community. In return, he gave generously of his time and efforts, leaving behind a lasting legacy of vision, growth, and service.

Survivors include his wife of 24 years, Nikki (nee Nelson); three sons: Mark (Candy) Shell, Jeff Shell (Michelle Lucas) and Chris Shell, all of Wilmington; (14) grandchildren: Bethani Hincherick (Justin Frait), Mark J. (Rachel) Shell, Kelly Lusson (Martin Piplits), Kaylee (Kevin) Heap, Joelle (Zach) Baldacci, Philip (Yasmin) Lusson, Scott (Emily) Shell, Ashley (Tom) Van Tilberg, Todd (Chrissy) Shell, William Shell, Richard Shell (Sara Colin), Maria (Tom) Labanowski, Jesse (Jake) Czaja and Samantha Smith; numerous great grandchildren; his mother-in-law, Joye O’Keefe and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Faye Kane, Dean Kane, DeeDee (Don) Casagrande and Erik Nelson, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Sippi was preceded in death by his parents, Julious and Susie; step-father, Harold Gould and his first wife, Donna.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Friday, April 3, 2026 between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow Saturday afternoon, April 4, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home with Pastor Jeff Logsdon from Island City Baptist Church officiating.

Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Wilmington where Sippi will be laid to rest with his first wife, Donna. Pallbearers will be: Mark J. Shell, Philip Lusson, William Shell, Richard Shell, Tom Van Tilberg and Tom Labanowski.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Uplifted Care Hospice for their exceptional service to Sippi, along with his caregivers Donna Max and June Pleiter and especially Jolene Misischia who was devoted to Sippi’s care over the past three years.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Sippi’s memory to Kuzma Care Cottage, 635 S. Main Street, Wilmington, Illinois 60481.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Sippi’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-476-2181)