West Carthage- James W. Kemp died in the early morning on Friday, March 3rd at Meadowbrook Terrace where he had a brief stay. Son of Ernest and Pretoria Kemp, he was 91 years old and was born in Yonkers, NY on July 26th, 1925. He lived a long and fulfilling life, telling a newspaper reporter who interviewed him when he turned 90, “There is no secret to attaining longevity- it is family, your church, and relationships.” Jim grew up in Yonkers and quit school at 17 to join the Navy. He was in the SeaBees for 4 years during World War II, stationed in the Pacific building bridges and airstrips for the Marines. After his discharge he earned his GED and then went on to graduate with a Bachelors degree from Oswego State University College after only 3 ½ years. While at Oswego he met Barbara Olmstead and they were married on July 2nd, 1949. They moved to Carthage that summer and both were hired by the Carthage School District. He taught industrial arts, mechanical drawing and driver education at West Carthage High School and then also at Carthage High School. He went on to receive a Masters degree from St. Lawrence University in 1952. When the West Carthage School burned down he moved along with the students to Carthage and when the schools merged into the new school building in 1954, he was appointed Assistant Principal- a position he kept until 1985. He enjoyed retirement and took several trips and cruises as well as playing golf and spending time with friends.
He was a communicant of the Grace Episcopal Church, holding a vestry position. He was a longtime member of the BPOE Lodge #1762, Carthage and throughout the years held various positions at the Carlowden Country Club where he was made a life time member. His greatest accomplishments were being the best husband and father his family could ask for, his lasting relationships with the people of Carthage, and maintaining close friendships with his many friends from his morning coffee group.
Jim was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife Barbara who died in July 2013. His only sibling, Evelyn also died before him. He is survived by a family who loves him very much including 2 daughters, Janet Kemp, Canandaigua and Pamela Kemp Shepherd, Potsdam. He also had 2 grandchildren, Zachary Shepherd of San Francisco and Elizabeth Shepherd of Boston. There are also several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday at Grace Episcopal Church, Carthage. Calling hours at the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home will be held from 5-7 pm on Monday with the Elks memorial service held at 6:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to Grace Episcopal Church or to the Carthage Area Rescue Squad.
To leave a condolence, go to www.bezanillafh.com.