James H. Kemman

James H. Kemman, 70, of Newburgh, passed away Wednesday, July 25, 2007, at his residence.

He was born January 24, 1937, in Altoona, Pa., to Hugo A. and Helen Louise Barnes Kemman. Jim grew up in Merion, Pa. He graduated from Episcopal Academy in suburban Philadelphia, Pa., and attended Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa.

He had recently retired after 20 years from Electronics Research Inc. of Chandler, Ind. Previously, he had worked for Silliman, Moffett, and Kowolski and later Silliman and Silliman in Washington, D.C., and Silver Spring, Md., for 23 years. His career started as a chief engineer of radio station WLAN in Lancaster, Pa.

Jim was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Historic Newburgh since May 1990, director from 90-91, vice president 91-92, president elect 92-93, president elect 94-95, distinguished president 95-96, past president 96-97, secretary Jan. 98-September 97. Tim Hambidge as president 1990/1991 assigned Jim as Homemade Ice Cream Chair. He regularly attended the Kiwanis Club of Newburgh and had been a member since 1990, and was vice president for several years.

He and his wife Ruth worked tirelessly to convince public officials and fellow citizens of the need for a new library in Ohio Township.

He was predeceased by his parents and one son, Frederick Hugo Kemman.

Jim is survived by his wife of 45 years, Ruth R. Kemman of Newburgh; son, Frederick B. Kemman; daughter-in-law, Gretchen Myers Kemman; grandson, James C. "Jake" Kemman of Frederick, Md., and more recently of Newburgh; daughter, Janet L. Kirby; son-in-law, Richard M. Kirby; granddaughter, Sara M. Kirby; grandson, Steven F. Kirby of Point Of Rocks, Md., sister, Jenny-Lou Fisher and brother-in-law Larry Fisher, of Kempton, Pa. His survivors also include nephew, Kurt Fisher; niece, Amy Thompson (husband Ryan); stepgranddaughter, Meghan Kahn; stepgranddaughter, Emily Brockwell (husband Steven) and grand-nephew, Owen Thompson.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, August 3, 2007, at the Titzer Family Funeral Homes, Simpson Chapel, 510 W. Jennings St., Newburgh IN, (812) 853-8314, officiated by Rev. Mark Dicken, burial in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 2, 2007, and on Friday, from 9 a.m. until time of service at the Titzer Family Funeral Homes, Simpson Chapel, 510 W. Jennings St., Newburgh, Ind.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jim to the Ohio Township Public Library System Foundation, P.O. Box 850, Newburgh IN. 47629.

Condolences may be made online at www.titzerfuneralhomes.com.