James Paul Kemp
October 2, 1915 — October 31, 2010
James Paul Kemp, 95, a long time Las Cruces resident, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, October 31, 2010. He was the beloved husband of the late Barbara Redwine Kemp for 68 years until her death earlier this year. Paul was born at home in Henry County, Tennessee on October 2, 1915 to the late Thayer A. and Bertha S. (Wiggins) Kemp. He grew up in rural Tennessee, working on his...
James Paul Kemp, 95, a long time Las Cruces resident, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, October 31, 2010. He was the beloved husband of the late Barbara Redwine Kemp for 68 years until her death earlier this year. Paul was born at home in Henry County, Tennessee on October 2, 1915 to the late Thayer A. and Bertha S. (Wiggins) Kemp. He grew up in rural Tennessee, working on his family's farm, and acquired a lifelong love of agriculture. He attended the University of Tennessee, where he met his future wife on a blind date and married a short time later. After receiving a degree he was offered a job in the New Mexico Extension Agency, working with the horticultural department. In the spring of 1948, they headed to New Mexico. While they moved around several times in the early days, most of the time was spend in Tucumcari and Lovington. In the late 70's, after his retirement, they settled in Las Cruces to be closer to their daughter Judith and her family. During his lifetime, he enjoyed traveling around the United States, Canada, and Mexico in a travel trailer. He collected and sold tools at the local flea-market, was an avid fisherman, and gardener. Paul knew no stranger, and loved to tell jokes although he saved his off-color ones for when his granddaughters were out of earshot! He is survived by his son, Stephen P. Kemp of Portales, New Mexico. His three granddaughters: April Ward of Lewisville, TX, Robin Thompson of Flowermound, TX, and Melanie Powley, and...
James Paul Kemp, 95, a long time Las Cruces resident, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, October 31, 2010. He was the beloved husband of the late Barbara Redwine Kemp for 68 years until her death earlier this year. Paul was born at home in Henry County, Tennessee on October 2, 1915 to the late Thayer A. and Bertha S. (Wiggins) Kemp. He grew up in rural Tennessee, working on his family's farm, and acquired a lifelong love of agriculture. He attended the University of Tennessee, where he met his future wife on a blind date and married a short time later. After receiving a degree he was offered a job in the New Mexico Extension Agency, working with the horticultural department. In the spring of 1948, they headed to New Mexico. While they moved around several times in the early days, most of the time was spend in Tucumcari and Lovington. In the late 70's, after his retirement, they settled in Las Cruces to be closer to their daughter Judith and her family. During his lifetime, he enjoyed traveling around the United States, Canada, and Mexico in a travel trailer. He collected and sold tools at the local flea-market, was an avid fisherman, and gardener. Paul knew no stranger, and loved to tell jokes although he saved his off-color ones for when his granddaughters were out of earshot! He is survived by his son, Stephen P. Kemp of Portales, New Mexico. His three granddaughters: April Ward of Lewisville, TX, Robin Thompson of Flowermound, TX, and Melanie Powley, and her husband John of Plainville, MA. Five great grandchildren Casey McBride, Avery Thompson of Flowermound, TX, Troy, Jennifer, and Nathan Powley of Plainville, MA. One great-great grandchild, Carter. He is preceded in death by his daughter Judith Ann Cline, and his wife Barbara Redwine Kemp. A memorial service to celebrate James's life will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday December 18, 2010. PDF Printable Version
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