James Kemper, age 82, of Mahnomen, MN, formerly of Rogers, MN, died on Friday, April 8, 2016 at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home in Mahnomen.

James John Kemper "Jim" was born April 9, 1934 to Joseph and Rose (Schroeder) Kemper in Waubun, MN. James attended school in Waubun, graduating in 1952. He served in the US Army from 1957 until his honorable discharge in 1959. On February 27, 1965, James married Pearl Kemper, the widow of his brother Richard. Pearl and her six children moved to Jim's farm near Waubun, MN. Jim and Pearl were blessed with two children of their own and raised them all on the farm. In the late 1970's, Jim sold his farm and they moved into Waubun. He worked for a time with Waubun Cattle Company before moving to the Twin Cities in 1990 where Jim was employed with the Little Bighorn sales department. They made their home in Rogers, MN for many years. Pearl moved to the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home in 2015, where she passed away shortly after. Jim continued to live in Rogers until January of 2016, when due to failing health, he moved to the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home.

Jim was an active member of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Waubun and later, St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Anoka, MN. He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus. In their younger years, Jim and Pearl loved to dance and enjoyed traditional country music. Family was very important to Jim. Especially following Pearls death, Jim cherished each moment he spent with those he loved.

James is survived by his sons: Steve (Kathy) Kemper of Fargo, ND and Scott Kemper of Detroit Lakes, MN; his daughters: Pam (Bob) Broucek of Dayton, MN, Sue (Don) Jokumsen of Mahnomen, MN, Patti (Odin Helgerson) of Fargo, ND, Mary Lindquist (Nancy Garza) of Paige, TX, Jodi (Greg) Hutchinson of Billings, MT, and Janet (Pat) Showalter of St. Paul, MN; a sister, Delores Barker of Marysville, CA; 17 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

James is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of nearly 50 years, Pearl; two brothers: Richard and Harold; three sisters: Marcella, Luella and Viola; and one granddaughter, Amy.

A Memorial Mass was held at 11:00am on Friday, April 15, 2016 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen. A time of gathering for family and friends took place at St. Michael's Church on Thursday, April 14th from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:30pm. Inurnment took place at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery in Detroit Lakes.