In Memoriam : J.W. Kemp

J.W. Kemp J.W. Kemp - age: 86
(May 03, 1930 to December 26, 2016 )
Resident of Exeter, California

Visitation Information:
A celebration of life will be held Monday, Jan 2, 2017 at 4:00PM at Calvary Worship Center, 3890 S. Lovers Lane, Visalia, CA. A private burial will be held at Exeter Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wells for India fund through Calvary Worship Center.

Obituary:
JW (Jay) Kemp, 86 died Monday, December 26, 2016 at his home in Exeter, CA. He leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Velma (Guinn) Kemp; his sons, Dennis Kemp and wife (Susan) of Visalia, CA; Bryan Kemp and wife Tamara of Linwood KS; his daughters, Teressa Wiley and husband Jim of Visalia, CA; Deborah Boles and husband Don of Exeter, CA; Cyndi Birdsong and husband Lendell of Norman, OK; and Barbie Bellah of Dallas, TX. He also leaves 16 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind sisters Ruth Lambert of Pocatello, ID, and Karen Ortiz of Farmersville, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Irene Kemp, brother, Robert Kemp and son-in-law Thomas Bellah.
Jay was born May 3, 1930 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to John Henry and Jenny Irene Kemp. At the age of 5 he moved to Farmersville, CA, later moving to Oakland, CA, and then back to Farmersville until 1971. He lived in Three Rivers, CA, for a few years and then moving back to Exeter, CA until his passing. In his early years, Jay attended Farmersville Elementary Schools, Oakland Schools and graduated from Exeter Union High School in 1948 where he was Senior Class President. He met his wife, Velma Guinn, at church and they married in 1950. As a young man, he began a farming career and grew and harvested cotton until 1969. He then transitioned into a career in auto sales. He also developed real estate and built several houses.
Jay had a passion for his wife and family and was focused on his children, grandkids, and great grandkids. He leaves behind a legacy of devoted family members who were fond of his competition in dominos, ping pong and golf. His passion for life impacted all that knew him. Jay was a member of Farmersville School Board in his early years and served as President. He was also a member of the Farmersville Water Board and served as President of that organization. Jay was a member of the Farmersville City Council and served as Mayor for a time. Jay was devoted to his church, serving as Trustee and President of the Board of Trustees of the Calvary Holiness Church and eventually Calvary Worship Center. He also was an adult Bible teacher for over 40 years. He was very instrumental in construction of church facilities in Farmersville and Visalia.







Barbie Bellah - February 8, 2017Contact this person Contact this person
I miss you, Daddy.