James G. Kemner
James Gerald Kemner lost his battle with Parkinsons on 11 June 2024. He is missed by the love of his life, his wife of 61 years Judith (Elder) ,loving father of Ken (Laura) Naperville, I. , Matt (Kirsten), Orinda, CA Mitch (Katie) St. Peter, MO and Jason,Philadelphia and 9 grandchildren, Jim was born in Quincy, Il. 19 June 1942 .There he attended Christian Brothers High School and Quincy College (University). He was preceded in death by parents, Robert and Dora Kemner, siblings, Pat Buckner, Ron Kemner, Shirley Gregory, Verene Poe and grandson, Thomas.
He married his college sweetheart November 1962, They were the parents of Kenneth (Laura) Naperville, Il, Matthew (Kirsten),Orinda, CA Mitchell (Katie) ,St. Peters and Jason (Philadelphia, PA, 10 grandchildren, Jacob, Ellery, Caroline, Mitchell, Jackson, James, John, Audrey, Thomas (deceased) and Katharine .
Jim worked at McDonnell Aircraft yet went on to a career with Prudential Life Ins. Co. He enjoyed being a handy man where he truly enjoyed working with his hands, designing and building decks, etc. He helped to design and orchestrate the building of their home in Ferguson for which he was quite proud and where they resided for 50 years.
He loved athletics , passed on the love of the game and coached his sons in Basketball and Baseball.
He dedicated his time for the poor and needy. He volunteered at State School for disabled, spent time doing charitable works of mercy collecting food from various grocery stores to supply the St. Vincent dePaul Society Food Pantry at Our Lady of Guadalupe. Even after Parkinsons began to take a toll on his life he continued his mission , joyfully and with humor, chatting with as many whom he encountered. He also did Circuit Breakers for retired Senior Citizens for St. Louis County.
Jim and Judy enjoyed traveling to all Continental United States, Europe, Eastern Europe, North Africa, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and China,
He was a proud member of the St. Patricks Picnic and Parade Committee, charing the Picnic for many years with enthusiasm and vigor.
Unselfishly Jim donated his body to Washington U. Memory and Aging Program and St.Louis University Medical School.
A Memorial Mass willl take place 3 August 2024 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church , 1115 South Florissant Rd. 63121. There the family will greet attendees at 10:00 with Mass following at 11:00
Dear Judy, Matt, Mitch and Ken,
Judy, I remember very well our different programs at OLF, you and Jim and your sons. i sent a Text to our children and was reminded that our daughter Denise had a crush on one of your boys. (Denise was born in 1964). Jim became our Prudential insurance man! Good man!!
Just another thought, “I was so happy to see you when you came to Marty’s Memorial Mass.” That was seven years ago! Thanks again!
I apologize for not coming to Jim’s Memorial Mass but please be assured of my prayers for Jim, yourself, your sons and all family members.
Take good care Judy!
Sincerely,
Sue Jaeger