James Kemper

James, who went by Jim to those who knew him and Jimmy only to his mother, was born the fourth of six children to Theodore LeRoy Kemper and Vera Minnie Hargraves in Toppenish, Washington just three months before America entered World War II. Following graduation from Moses Lake High School, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Instead of using saved money to attend college as planned, he unselfishly gave it to his older brother who had recently been discharged from the military and had no means to provide for his family. Jim married Joan Elaine Kendall in January of 1964 after a short courtship. Ten months later they welcomed their first child, a daughter. In the years to come they welcomed 4 more daughters and 4 sons. During his life Jim worked at U&I Sugar Factory, drove tractor and was a diesel mechanic and farm hand for Crawford Jones, fixed lawnmowers and ran a locksmith shop with his dad and brothers, and drove bus for more than 30 years for the Moses Lake School District. After most of his children had grown up and moved out, he went to college and earned a degree in Accounting & Bookkeeping. He took care of his parents in their later years, especially his mother after his father passed on. He spent his last years helping his sisters with various needs and began digitizing his mother’s and sister’s genealogy work. His son, Kyle, helped him with care and needs the last few years of his life. He loved gardening and always grew a variety of irises, his favorite flower. He often helped his neighbors with their yards and small gardens. He had a real green thumb. James was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Danae, his oldest son, Walter, his parents, “Ted” and Vera, his brothers “Teddy” and David, his sister, Mary, his grandsons David and Christopher, and one great grandson, CJ. He is survived by two sisters, “Jane” and Joann, children, Suella, Alena, Connie, Randy, Kyle (Nellie), Van (Daisy), and Jessica, 48 grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and many great grandchildren. Kayser’s Chapel of Memories 831 S. Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA September 14, 2024 Viewing: 10:00 a.m. Funeral Services: 11:00 a.m. Graveside dedication to follow at Pioneer Memorial Gardens.

James Kemper

August 30, 2024