Ian Christopher Shriner left our world far too soon on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Born on July 31, 1983, in Durham, North Carolina, Ian grew up with a boundless love for laughter, learning, and the people around him. From a young age, he found joy in both the natural world and the camaraderie of sports.

After graduating from Cookeville High School in Tennessee, Ian went on to study Marine Biology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) — a place that forever held a piece of his heart.

Nobody loved UNCW more than Ian; if you were a regular at Brooks Field in the early 2000s, chances are you saw him — or more likely, heard him — cheering on his beloved Seahawks. As a proud Superfan, Ian brought energy, humor, and heart to every game, rallying the crowd and becoming a part of what made UNCW baseball so special.

Whether you met him in the stands, at Parchie’s over a hot grill, or volunteering with the Special Olympics or Miracle League Baseball, you could always count on Ian for a warm smile and a lively conversation. He had a gift for connection; turning strangers into friends and every moment into a memory.

Underneath that big personality was a steady calm and a deep kindness. Ian had a way of grounding those around him, offering wisdom, laughter, or simply a listening ear when it was needed most. He was the person you could count on for both a thoughtful word and a hearty laugh.

Ian married his best friend, Kimberly Anne (née Graham), and together they built a life centered on love, laughter, and shared purpose. Both were passionate about protecting the natural world and instilling that same respect and curiosity in their son, Jackson Owen.

Watching Jackson grow and discover life’s wonders was Ian’s greatest joy. If you talked to Ian for more than five minutes, you’d hear stories about Jackson’s latest adventures, discoveries, or funny observations. Being a dad was, without question, Ian’s proudest and most cherished role.

We will miss seeing him fire up the crowd at Brooks Field and hearing his next big, slightly outrageous, and always heartfelt plan. Ian didn’t fit into any box; he was truly one of a kind. He wore his heart on his sleeve – or forearms in Ian’s case, because he wore short-sleeves in any weather.

Ian leaves behind his loving wife, Kimberly, and their son, Jackson. He is also survived by his parents, John (Joann) Shriner and Elizabeth Kelly (Ray Person); his brother, Peter Shriner (Maggie Bogle); in-laws; nieces and nephews; and a wide circle of friends and Seahawk fans who will never forget his warmth, loyalty, and zest for life.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at the Golden Hawk Room, Trask Coliseum at UNCW (679 Wagoner Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403). Visitation with the family begins at 1:00 p.m.; Ceremony at 2:00 p.m. with refreshments to follow. Directions available at https://uncwsports.com/facilities/trask-coliseum/

In honor of Ian’s love for the Seahawks, feel free to wear UNCW colors (teal, navy, gold) as we remember, laugh, and honor Ian’s unique spirit with those who loved him most. Bring your laughter, your memories, and your best stories as we celebrate a true 1 of 1 person.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to support Ian’s greatest legacy - his son, Jackson – All funds received at paypal.me/InMemoryofIan will go directly to Jackson’s future.
Ian’s spirit will forever be a guiding light to all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.