James William Kemble

Kemble, James William was born September 23, 1926 to Ruth and William Kemble in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He died July 24, 2021 at home with loved ones by his side. Jim's was a life well-lived and much-loved. He balanced devotion to family, service to country, adventure, love of golf and Iowa Hawkeye sports with a successful and fulfilling career as an actuary. Jim was an influential mentor and father figure to his four younger brothers after their father passed away on a Naval ship during WWII when Jim was 16 years old. He graduated in 1944 from North H.S. in Des Moines and enlisted in the Navy V-12 program and then Naval Reserves. He earned a BA Math from the University of Iowa in 1947, worked as an assistant actuary and took actuarial exams until he was drafted in 1950. He served in the US Army two years, in Korea for part of that time. Jim married Catherine Frost in 1955 and they had three children who were, along with Catherine, the great loves of his life. He mourned the loss of Catherine in 1999 mightily, but poured his heart into his children and grandchildren, cheering for them at countless basketball, baseball, soccer games, choir and band concerts. Everywhere he went, he made a point of getting to know the people who were there. His genuine interest in others' stories endeared him to all who were privileged to know him. Jim was curious, generous, funny, loyal and unfailingly kind. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched. He is survived by children, Bill (Terre) Kemble, Ann (Dave Just) Kemble, and Paul (Carol) Kemble; grandchildren Brian (Dani), Kyle, Randi (Eric), Caitlin (Bill), Jack, Dillon, Cate; great-grandchildren Randi, Kira, Charlie, Baby Eiden coming in October; brothers John (Berniece), Dave (Barbara), Pete; sister-in-law Joan; beloved nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by Catherine, his parents, siblings William, Mary Alice and Tom Kemble. Visitation 4-7 pm Monday, August 16 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1615 Luther Way, Eden Prairie. Visitation 10 am and Celebration of Life 11 am Tuesday, August 17 at Immanuel with lunch to follow. Memorials preferred to Habitat for Humanity or Compassion International.

Tributes

James William Kemble

September 23, 1926 - July 24, 2021

Tributes

James William Kemble

September 23, 1926 - July 24, 2021

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