James Robert Kemp, born January 24, 1948, to Robert Lealon Kemp and Clytie Orsborn Kemp, died Tuesday, November 21, 2023, in Brandon after a courageous and lengthy battle with cancer. While attending Saltillo High School, James was an all-around athlete on the basketball, football, and was part of the 1965 Baseball Championship team. Following his graduation from Mississippi State University, James worked at Regional Rehab as a mobility instructor. James had a passion for teaching and coaching. Going back to his Saltillo High School roots, he began teaching driver’s education and coaching basketball, track, and became the first softball coach. During his very accomplished coaching career, he received Lee County girls basketball coach of the year for the 1993-1994 season, and division II 3A softball coach of the year for the 1989-1990 season. He retired in 2006 after 25 years.
On June 27, 1970, he married Patricia Ann Wesson. James was a sports enthusiast; he loved the Atlanta Braves and Mississippi State sports and attended as many MSU games as possible. He collected baseball cards starting at an early age and continued to enjoy in his later years. James was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Saltillo and most recently Flowood Baptist Church. James loved his family and was a devoted husband, father and doting grandfather.
James leaves behind his wife, Patricia Kemp of Brandon; one daughter, Karen Hall and her husband, David, of Brandon; two grandchildren, Abigail Hall and Seth Hall; one brother, Tommy Kemp and his wife, Patti, of the Auburn Community; one sister-in-law, Deborah Rogers of Brandon; one brother-in-law, Raymond Anglin of the Auburn Community; and several beloved nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Emma Grace Hall; and sister, Virginia Anglin.
Visitation will be 4 until 7 p.m. Sunday, November 26, 2023 and one hour till service time Monday, November 27, 2023 at Pegues, Saltillo.
Services honoring his life will be 2 p.m. Monday, November 27, 2023 at the Saltillo Chapel of Pegues with Bro. Bobby McGuffie officiating. Private graveside services will be at Lee Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be Rickey Anglin, Chris Kemp, Lester Holder, Bill Buse, Johnny Bolen, and Rickey Neaves.
Honorary pallbearers will be Donald Collums, and Bobby Robbins.
