Jerry Schipper, counseling-center head

Jerry Paul Schipper, who founded the popular Town and Country Counseling Center in Kirkland, Issaquah and Federal Way, believed in around-the-clock emotional assistance.

Just like physicians, he or a colleague was there when help was needed, often after other counselors had closed for the evening, weekend or holiday.

During the Christmas season, for example, his centers have offered counseling for anyone from stressed-out store clerks to people alone for the first time over Christmas. The approach is in contrast to that of firms that decline instant appointments or new clients during holidays.

"Often, the kind of person that would respond would be a single person, maybe new to the area and not knowing where to turn," Mr. Schipper (pronounced "Skipper") said in 1998. "We want them to understand that we're here and we're available."

Mr. Schipper and colleagues welcomed visitors on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, often at a fraction of normal rates. They also took free calls on a toll-free line on Christmas and New Year's Day.

"It kind of works like a crisis hotline," Mr. Schipper said. "Most people call for support in dealing with lonely or stressful holiday seasons, but callers' needs vary. Sometimes it's parents asking what to do about their boy who doesn't believe in Santa Claus."

Mr. Schipper died Thursday (March 9) of cancer. He was 57.

Born in Long Beach, Calif., he earned an undergraduate degree in social work at San Jose State College in 1965 and a master's at the University of Louisville in 1969. He served in the Peace Corps in Turkey from 1965 to 1967.

After counseling at other firms, Mr. Schipper founded South Coast Counseling Center in Laguna Niguel, Calif., in 1976.

In 1991, seeking a less crowded and more natural environment, he sold the business and moved to 5 acres in Fall City.

He established Lake Washington Human Services in Kirkland. He left that group, affiliated with a church, and founded Town and Country Counseling Center in Kirkland in 1992. The other centers followed.

At home he enjoyed classical music, read books, raised chickens, and doted on his dogs and cats. He also liked baseball, basketball, tennis, fishing and swimming.

"Jerry basically lived in service to others," said his wife of 15 years, Renate Schipper. "He was seeing clients until a few days before he died. He worked mostly with families, people with marital problems.

"He really liked working with kids, especially children of divorce. He came from a dysfunctional home and could really identify with people with similar problems."

Also surviving are sons Kyle Schipper of Fall City, Jed Schipper of Los Angeles and J.J. Schipper of Vancouver, Wash.; stepsons Brian Curran of Taiwan and Jeffrey Curran of Kenmore; daughters Lisa Skumpija of Torrance, Calif., and Vanessa Schipper of Dana Point, Calif.; brothers William Schipper of Alexandria, Va., and George Schipper of Lawndale, Calif.; a sister, Virginia Carroll of Reno; and three grandchildren.

Services have been held.

Carole Beers' e-mail address is cbeers@seattletimes.com