James Kemp, 81 of Devils Lake formerly of rural Hamilton, ND passed away on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND.
Jim was born on Nov. 22, 1942, in Pembina County, ND, to Elwood and Mae (Middleton) Kemp. He grew up in rural Hamilton on the farm. Jim graduated from Crookston Ag High School. After attending college in Bottineau, Fargo, and Seattle, he returned to Hamilton where he farmed with his two brothers.
On Nov. 15, 1980, Jim was united in marriage to his precious Patricia Moritz in Cavalier, ND. They were blessed with two daughters, Betsy, and Annie. Later in life, he and Pat moved from the farm to Devils Lake to be closer to Betsy and her family.
Jim greatly enjoyed horses and horse activities, including driving teams of horses, horse shows, and operating antique horse machinery. He also enjoyed traveling with his family, church activities, and spending time on his computer. Jim put a lot of emphasis on physical exercise but never passed up pie and coffee.
Jim is survived by his loving family. His wife of 43 years Patty; daughters Betsy (Adam) Waldo, Warwick ND, and Annie (Chris) Windley, Valdosta GA; grandchildren Livia Waldo, Elijah Waldo, Wesley Windley and Nora Windley; siblings Richard (Karen) Kemp, Hamilton, Judy (Orville) Aune, Park River ND, Rodger (Diane) Kemp, Tucson AZ, Dan (Kaaren) Kemp and Patty (Carson) Martin all of Hamilton; sisters-in-law Nancy Eddington, Cavalier ND and Bonnie (Dick) Winkler, Pelican Rapids MN as well as many dear nieces, nephews and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law Wesley and Billie Mortiz, brother-in-law Garnett Eddington.
There will be a gathering of family and friends at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, beginning at 6:00 p.m. with a Funeral Service at 7:00 p.m. Pastor David Fix and Pastor Richard Eng will officiate with burial will be in the Hamilton Cemetery at a later date. Music will be led by Bill and Beth Kemp.
