James Raymond Kemp

James Raymond Kemp, age 39, of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, July 12, 2025, at home.

James was born December 16, 1985, to Lamar James and Lucinda Ruth (Vian) Kemp in North Platte.

As a boy, James played many sports in school, but he especially loved track. He enjoyed shop and art as well, winning various awards for his work. James went on to graduate from Lodgepole High School before pursuing a Certification of Welding from Mid-Plains Community College. After graduating, James worked for a while at the Walmart Distribution Center. He then moved on and used his knowledge and skills to great success at his various factory jobs in Columbus, NE. During his working life, James was blessed with his beloved son Remyton, to whom he was proud and devoted father. As an adult, James loved taking trucking trips with his stepdad Dallas, including an especially memorable trip to Chicago. His inquisitive nature had him running from one site to the next, much to Dallas’s chagrin.

Those who knew James knew him as intelligent, especially when it came to finances or designing. He was extremely social, known to talk the ear off of anyone who would listen. He was especially passionate about cars and motors and could often be found working on and maintaining his cars. When he wasn’t at work, James loved taking his son fishing, working brandings with his family, and especially his family trips to Oregon and a trip to Branson with his son and family. He was also known for his kindness, always going the extra mile to help a friend in need. And he had friends aplenty, never knowing a stranger no matter where he went. He was also an avid gardener and enjoyed helping his family, friends, and neighbors.

Those left to cherish James’s memory are his mom and stepdad Lucinda and Dallas Wheelock; ex-stepdad Terry Jandl; son Remyton Kemp; brother Samuel Jandl; step-sister Kamie Jo Nelson; grandmother Judy Vian; uncles Carl Vian, Dallas Vian, and John (Galene) McCall; aunt Janet Vian; great-aunts Cindy Payne and Leandra Weathers; great-uncle Phillip Keeny and great-uncle and aunt Dale and Carol Black; and numerous cousins.

He is preceded in death by his dad Lamar Kemp; sister Rebecca L. Kemp; grandparents Richard and Carolyn Kemp; and grandfather Verlin Vian.

Funeral Services for James and his brother Christopher will be held Monday, July 21, 2025, at 10 am at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Reverend Gabriel Morrow officiating. Burial will follow at Miller Cemetery in Tryon, NE. Visitation with family receiving friends will be held Sunday, July 20, 2025, from 2-4 pm at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which has been entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to offset funeral costs and be put towards a college fund for James’s son Remy. Online condolences may be expressed at adamsswanson.com.