Jimmy “Jim” Kay Kemplin, 76, of Russell Springs, entered eternal rest on Saturday, December 21, 2024. Born on January 25, 1948, in Kona, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Raleigh Kemplin and Allie (Ison) Presnell. Jim was a member of Grace Family Fellowship and a skilled journeyman carpenter who spent over 60 years mastering his craft.
After the loss of his stepfather at a young age, Jim began providing for his family at 15, training as a carpenter and sending money home to support his mother. His exceptional trim and cabinetry work can be found in homes, churches, and businesses across the country, from Baltimore to Honolulu. Jim also honorably served as a combat engineer in the U.S. Army, completing three tours of duty in Vietnam.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Karen Kemplin; his children, Brandon Kemplin, Shelissa (Gerald) Kearney, Stephanie Lea (James) Utz-Fournier, Kristin (Michael) Molinaro, and James “Robby” Carlisle; and seven grandchildren: Allie, Tommy, Chloe, Traigh, Chase, Callasara, and Kaileb. He is also survived by his brother, Billy Ray Wilfong of Burnside, Kentucky, and numerous extended family members and friends who will deeply miss him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Betty Everidge; his brother, Berkley Wilfong; his daughter-in-law, Kyra Kemplin; and his niece, Shelia York.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. CST on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Grace Family Fellowship, 192 Stephens Ridge Road, Russell Springs, with interment and full military honors at 12:30 p.m. CST at Mill Springs National Cemetery in Nancy, Kentucky, conducted by the Russell County Honor Squad.
Visitation will be on Thursday, January 2, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CST at Grace Family Fellowship.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Grace Family Fellowship Benevolence Fund or the United Service Organizations (USO) in Jim’s memory.
The family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support during this difficult time.
