James Kemp

James W. Kemp, 94, of Atlantic, passed away Friday, December 9, 2016, at Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic.

James White Kemp, son of James G. and Jessie (White) Kemp, was born January 23, 1922, in Jackson Township, Shelby County, Iowa. He attended country school and graduated from the Harlan High School in 1939. James worked on the family farm until August 18, 1944, when he entered the US Navy during World War II. After serving in the South Pacific on the U.S.S. Riverside, he was honorably discharged May 23, 1946.

On August 13, 1947, he was united in marriage to Eunice Mae Petersen at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Iowa. James transferred membership from the congregational church to Bethlehem Lutheran. To this union three children were born. They farmed seven years in Shelby County and then bought a farm in Guthrie County. The family moved there on February 14, 1955. After the move they transferred their membership to the Bowman Chapel Methodist Church near the farm. James was dedicated to his family and life on the farm.

He loved country music; in the 1960's he wrote lyrics with partners in several states. Forty of his songs were contracted with publishers, releasing 13 singles and one album. James was a writing member for Broadcast Music Incorporated of New York. His songs were played throughout the United States, Canada, England and part of the mainland of Europe on radio and television. In the 1970's along with farming and songwriting he was in the investment and insurance business. On February 14, 1977, he and Eunice retired from farming and moved to Atlantic, Iowa, where James continued part-time in the insurance and investment business. He and Eunice joined the United Church of Christ in Atlantic.

James was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lawrence Kemp and his wife, Maxine; brother-in-law, Vernon G. Petersen and his wife, Alice; sister-in-law, Ruth Jean Hansen and her husband, Orville; and brother-in-law, Leland Smidt.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Eunice; three daughters, Julie Gade and her husband, Kent of Atlantic, Donna Duggan and her husband, Dan of Omaha, Kim Gaul and her husband, Mike of Ames; four grandchildren, Holly (Brian) Swartz, Jay (Mary) Simms, Michael (Stephanie) Duggan and Megan Gaul; two step-grandchildren, Shana (Kevin) Elwood and Levi (Blaire) Gade; 8 great-grandchildren; 7 step-great-grandchildren; brother, John and his wife, Velma; and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 13, 2016, at the United Church of Christ in Atlantic with Reverend Nancy Jensen officiating. Following lunch at the church, burial with military honors by the Atlantic Color Guard will be held in the Atlantic Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the United Church of Christ.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for James' family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com

IN REMEMBRANCE OF

James W. Kemp
BORN
January 23, 1922
Jackson Township, Shelby County, Iowa

ENTERED INTO REST
Friday, December 9, 2016 ~ Atlantic, Iowa
At the age of
94 years, 10 months & 16 days

FUNERAL SERVICE
11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 13, 2016
United Church of Christ ~ Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIATING
Reverend Nancy Jensen

PIANIST
Eileen Denne

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“The Old Rugged Cross”
“Amazing Grace” by Amy Mardesen
“Precious Lord Take My Hand” by Amy Mardesen
“The Lord’s Prayer” by Amy Mardesen
“God Bless the U.S.A” recorded by lee Greenwood

CASKET BEARERS
Jay Simms
Michael Duggan
Brian Swartz
Kevin Elwood
Levi Gade
Randy Caraveo

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Jim Kemp
Gary Kemp
David Kemp
Larry Kemp
Steven Kemp
Roger Davis

INTERMENT
1:30 p.m.
Atlantic Cemetery ~ Atlantic, Iowa

MILITARY HONORS
Atlantic Color Guard

The family invites you to join them in the fellowship hall for
lunch immediately following the service.

Memorials may be made to the United Church of Christ.