James Kemp

Jim was born on November 22, 1942 in Pembina County, North Dakota 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 November 15, 1980, Jim was married to 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.

James Kemp, 81 of Devils Lake formerly of rural Hamilton, ND passed away on Friday, December 15, 2023 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND.

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 the service. Music will be led by Bill and Beth Kemp. There will be burial at the Hamilton Cemetery at a later date.