Jim Kemper

*** Memorial Service for Jim will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 16 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, McKinney, TX ***

How can words be found that capture the remarkable essence of Jim Flurry

Kemper. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, August 20, 1926, he was adopted by

loving parents, Everette Kemper and Agnes McRae Kemper, who lived in

western Kansas. He was preceded in death by his adoring wife, Olive

Hoskinson Kemper. Jim was again preceded in death by his second wife and

longtime family friend, Rita Blume Kemper. He is survived by his daughter,

also adopted, Janel Kemper Stalder; his son-in-law, Kelley Martin Stalder;

grandson JeQrey Sean Stalder and his wife Mary Beth Jones Stalder and

JeQrey's son, Sean Mills Stalder. Jim passed away peacefully in McKinney,

Texas on May 27, 2025 at age ninety-eight.

Jim graduated from Dodge City High School and promptly joined the U.S. Navy

to serve as a gunner on an aircraft carrier during WWII. Due to his height of

6'4" the Navy sent home uniform fabric for his mother to extend his uniforms!

Upon discharge he was eager to become a pilot. With his incredible smile and

dedicated work ethic, Jim managed to barter working at Dodge City Airport in

exchange for flying lessons. He eventually worked at the High Plains Journal in

Dodge City while attending Dodge City Junior College. One evening in a local

billiards hall, he was swept off his feet by Olive Elizabeth Hoskinson. They

soon married and moved to Kansas City, KS so Jim could pursue a budding

career in advertising for the Kansas City Star. Jim and Olive adopted their only

child Jan before relocating to Des Plaines. Jim had been transferred to the

Star's Chicago office at State and Adams. He continued to fly small planes

and eventually acquired his first Cessna 150, rag wing! In time, Olive

announced at dinner one evening that she did not want to become a boring

housewife! She too wanted to learn to fly, and that she did and ultimately they

competed for ratings. Jim and Olive enjoyed many adventures traveling

through the clouds together! Jim was one of the fortunate few that thoroughly

enjoyed his career that eventually landed him a position with Cessna Aircraft

where he excelled into executive management.

Jim could not have topped his love for time spent with friends and family.

While enjoying a Thanksgiving dinner with well over twenty aunts and uncles

and other Kempers, with an empty dinner plate in hand, Jim leaned over to Jan

and whispered, "Shall we pass this plate around and see how many times it

will make it around the table before someone notices that the plate is empty?"

After nearly three passes, Jim's characteristic smile burst into his magnetic laughter for all.

To be closer to their grandson, JeQrey, Jim and Olive moved to McKinney, TX

where they were instrumental in the development of the Frontiers of Flight

Museum at Love Field in Dallas. Both were acknowledged for volunteering

thousands of hours.

Graveside service will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 6 at Stafford Cemetery next to

Olive and her parents, Raymond and Florence Hoskinson.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Frontiers of Flight Museum, Inc (501c3)

or the Alzheimer's Association (501c3) would be greatly appreciated.

Minnis Chapel, Stafford is in charge of arrangements.