November 30, 2023
November 30, 2023
Happy Heavenly birthday Jacko. I love you.
Jackie Ray Kemper “Jack”, age 70 of Riverside, OH went to be with the Lord on October 24, 2023. He was born in London, KY to Mollie Opal Eldridge and Jack Kemper.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years Kathy Kemper (Williams), daughter Leah (Chris) Davis, son Isaiah (Heather) Kemper, and adopted daughter Karen (Chuck) Denton. He loved his grandchildren: Chastity (Logan), Caleb, Aayla, Kemper, Ellie, Callen, and great-granddaughter Navy. He is also survived by his father-in-law Tony Marinelli, his sisters Karen Kemper and Joyce (Kenny) Bryant, his half-siblings Randy (Rita) Eldridge and Shiela Eldridge, as well as his best friend Bob (Dana) Fisher. He will always be loved and remembered by his many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Jack spent the majority of his life dedicated to Jesus and athletics. After traveling as a soundman with a gospel singing group and preaching in the streets with The Well, he met his wife Kathy whom he spent 48 years (married after 4 years of trying to convince her). He was the athletic director at East Dayton Christian School for 25 years. He coached at 3 different schools and mentored many students and athletes. Many families were positively impacted by his leadership and love of sports. Because of his service and dedication, he was given the great honor of having a gym named after him. Although Jack endured trial after trial in his physical body, he never wavered in his faith and was an inspiration to all who knew him. His journey on earth was complete. He finished the race… even with his “no toes!”.
“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:6-8
Jack was preceded in death by his father Jack Kemper, mother Mollie Opal Eldridge, mother-in-law Ellen Marinelli, brother Wendell (Cindy) Kemper, brother Wayne (Dianne) Kemper, sister Sharon (David) Steele, and brother-in-law Kenny (Joyce) Bryant.
Visitation will be held at New Life Fellowship Assembly of God (East Dayton Christian School) 999 Spinning Rd, Dayton OH 45431. Visitation will be Sunday, October 29, 2023 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm with a memorial service beginning at 4:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers please donate to his funeral fund https://gofund.me/454d8af4
Final arrangements by W.E. Lusain Funeral Home, Dayton, Ohio.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years Kathy Kemper (Williams), daughter Leah (Chris) Davis, son Isaiah (Heather) Kemper, and adopted daughter Karen (Chuck) Denton. He loved his grandchildren: Chastity (Logan), Caleb, Aayla, Kemper, Ellie, Callen, and great-granddaughter Navy. He is also survived by his father-in-law Tony Marinelli, his sisters Karen Kemper and Joyce (Kenny) Bryant, his half-siblings Randy (Rita) Eldridge and Shiela Eldridge, as well as his best friend Bob (Dana) Fisher. He will always be loved and remembered by his many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Jack spent the majority of his life dedicated to Jesus and athletics. After traveling as a soundman with a gospel singing group and preaching in the streets with The Well, he met his wife Kathy whom he spent 48 years (married after 4 years of trying to convince her). He was the athletic director at East Dayton Christian School for 25 years. He coached at 3 different schools and mentored many students and athletes. Many families were positively impacted by his leadership and love of sports. Because of his service and dedication, he was given the great honor of having a gym named after him. Although Jack endured trial after trial in his physical body, he never wavered in his faith and was an inspiration to all who knew him. His journey on earth was complete. He finished the race… even with his “no toes!”.
“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:6-8
Jack was preceded in death by his father Jack Kemper, mother Mollie Opal Eldridge, mother-in-law Ellen Marinelli, brother Wendell (Cindy) Kemper, brother Wayne (Dianne) Kemper, sister Sharon (David) Steele, and brother-in-law Kenny (Joyce) Bryant.
Visitation will be held at New Life Fellowship Assembly of God (East Dayton Christian School) 999 Spinning Rd, Dayton OH 45431. Visitation will be Sunday, October 29, 2023 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm with a memorial service beginning at 4:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers please donate to his funeral fund https://gofund.me/454d8af4
Final arrangements by W.E. Lusain Funeral Home, Dayton, Ohio.
Tributes
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October 28, 2023
October 28, 2023
Uncle Jackie, I'm so honored to have had you in my life for 51 years. You were always the calm in whatever storm was brewing in a family our size. You would stand back and let things unfold, and I'm certain you quietly said to yourself "I told ya". You loved big and you loved long. If someone was lucky enough to call you family or friend it was for life. You finally getting rid of your broken body had to be the most glorious thing for you. I find peace in knowing your relationship with the Lord, and your readiness to go home. I can only imagine the reunion when you got home. To say I'm jealous of that is an understatement. I'm sure there was a big warm hug from Papaw, and Mom was standing there with a huge smile impatiently waiting her turn. Then there's Uncle Wendell and Uncle Wayne,...I'm sure they gave you a hug and jokingly said "What took you so long Brother?" Oh its vivid for me to imagine. I'm going to miss giving you a hard time about rooting for the Browns and you giving it right back about the Bengals. Just a reminder, I do have a Brown Fan in my house as Letty so proudly pointed out and it's on my ceiling in my bedroom. Thank you for always being the calm Uncle Jack, this family needs it. Going to miss you Big. I love you, Lisa ❤️
October 27, 2023
October 27, 2023
Jacko Kempero, I guess our days of playing hide-and-seek at the hospitals are over. I was so surprised you remembered my number and called me this last go around. No words can express the love I have for you. Chuck is so much like you. He hates people touching his hair, he says "healed" followed by a press on the forehead, and like you loves Jesus. Kemper is broken but one day he will see you whole, and you can show the boy how to play basketball. My life will never be the same since you entered, and won't be the same now that you are gone. I hope you are enjoying your brothers and sister, and I will mess with the ones still here. It was a honor to name my son after you, Kathy, Leah, and Isaiah. Roo n Simon had kids with me, who would have EVER thought that would happen. I will miss our dates we would go on and the salty pepperoni pizza we both had to give up to stay out of trouble. The time WITH you was the best part of our date time anyway. I love you. Thanks for loving me back, so well.
October 27, 2023
October 27, 2023
Love you Jack! You'll always be here with us in our hearts. Your legacy lives on through your family and those who you touched with your life. Love you Pa!
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Recent Tributes
November 30, 2023
November 30, 2023
Happy Heavenly birthday Jacko. I love you.
October 28, 2023
October 28, 2023
Uncle Jackie, I'm so honored to have had you in my life for 51 years. You were always the calm in whatever storm was brewing in a family our size. You would stand back and let things unfold, and I'm certain you quietly said to yourself "I told ya". You loved big and you loved long. If someone was lucky enough to call you family or friend it was for life. You finally getting rid of your broken body had to be the most glorious thing for you. I find peace in knowing your relationship with the Lord, and your readiness to go home. I can only imagine the reunion when you got home. To say I'm jealous of that is an understatement. I'm sure there was a big warm hug from Papaw, and Mom was standing there with a huge smile impatiently waiting her turn. Then there's Uncle Wendell and Uncle Wayne,...I'm sure they gave you a hug and jokingly said "What took you so long Brother?" Oh its vivid for me to imagine. I'm going to miss giving you a hard time about rooting for the Browns and you giving it right back about the Bengals. Just a reminder, I do have a Brown Fan in my house as Letty so proudly pointed out and it's on my ceiling in my bedroom. Thank you for always being the calm Uncle Jack, this family needs it. Going to miss you Big. I love you, Lisa ❤️
October 27, 2023
October 27, 2023
Jacko Kempero, I guess our days of playing hide-and-seek at the hospitals are over. I was so surprised you remembered my number and called me this last go around. No words can express the love I have for you. Chuck is so much like you. He hates people touching his hair, he says "healed" followed by a press on the forehead, and like you loves Jesus. Kemper is broken but one day he will see you whole, and you can show the boy how to play basketball. My life will never be the same since you entered, and won't be the same now that you are gone. I hope you are enjoying your brothers and sister, and I will mess with the ones still here. It was a honor to name my son after you, Kathy, Leah, and Isaiah. Roo n Simon had kids with me, who would have EVER thought that would happen. I will miss our dates we would go on and the salty pepperoni pizza we both had to give up to stay out of trouble. The time WITH you was the best part of our date time anyway. I love you. Thanks for loving me back, so well.
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October 27, 2023
by Tina Ludwig
Hey Dad!
I am so saddened by the loss of your physical body on this earth. You were always another Dad to me. You taught me, and scolded me, praised me, and rejoiced with me, and for that I will forever be grateful!
You were a fighter! You knew you had more to do on this Earth before you were to go home to Papa, so you held on for many many years to accomplish your earthly duties! God decided you succeeded in you purpose here and brought you home. No more pain, no more suffering... YOU ARE FREE!
I will forever be thankful for your place in my life. You will always be "Dad"! I am grateful that I have A LOT of memories to look back on and laugh, or cry about. Thank you! Thank you for making an impact in my life. Thank you for loving me as one of your own no matter how far I strayed, and thank you for being my other Dad! I promise to stay by Leah's side and make sure she is ok too. I love you!
-Tina
I am so saddened by the loss of your physical body on this earth. You were always another Dad to me. You taught me, and scolded me, praised me, and rejoiced with me, and for that I will forever be grateful!
You were a fighter! You knew you had more to do on this Earth before you were to go home to Papa, so you held on for many many years to accomplish your earthly duties! God decided you succeeded in you purpose here and brought you home. No more pain, no more suffering... YOU ARE FREE!
I will forever be thankful for your place in my life. You will always be "Dad"! I am grateful that I have A LOT of memories to look back on and laugh, or cry about. Thank you! Thank you for making an impact in my life. Thank you for loving me as one of your own no matter how far I strayed, and thank you for being my other Dad! I promise to stay by Leah's side and make sure she is ok too. I love you!
-Tina