James Martin Kemp

James (Jim) Martin Kemp, of Lees Summit, MO, passed away peacefully on the 29th of June, 2022 – his 83rd birthday. Services will be at Our Lady of the Presentation, Roman Catholic Church, located at Murray Road, Lees Summit, MO on July 8th, 2022. Visitation will start at 10:00AM, followed by a Mass of Christian burial. Lunch will be served after Mass at the Church. In lieu of flowers, the deceased requested individual’s volunteer time to visit a friend or give time to a charity of their choice.

Jim was born on June 29th, 1939 in Dubuque, Iowa to Rita Rachor Kemp and R.J. (Rudy) Kemp. A graduate of Loras Academy in Dubuque and Loyola University of Chicago Illinois, Class of 1961. Jim received a B.S. and was employed with Colt Industries/Fairbanks Scales for 33 years and J.A. King for 6 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Mary Ann Janssen, his parents, brothers (Roger and David) and his sister (Mary Wermers).

Survivors include four sons and their families: Kevin and Kelly, daughters Rebecca, Jennifer, Stephanie of Mansfield, MA; David and Marianne, daughters Kayla and Alexis of Boonton, NJ; Dennis and Stacie, daughter MacKenna and son Brady of Lees Summit, MO; Michael and Anne, daughter Addison and son Mason of Shawnee, KS. Jim is also survived by his sister-in-law Kathy Janssen Gotz and husband Dick Gotz of Hudson, MA along with brother-in-law Jack Janssen and wife Judy along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family lived in many areas of the United States during Jim’s business career including St. Johnsbury, Vermont twice for over 18 years for which Jim had a special fondness and love for the people of the area and the beauty of the “Northeast Kingdom.”

Jim enjoyed volunteering in the community and especially at Our Lady of the Presentation Parish. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 6819 and The Cincinnati Club, both of Lees Summit. Jim found great comfort and joy in the Roman Catholic faith and came to love the friends and people of the Parish.