Jim Charles Kemp

Jim Kemp passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in Waco. A private family graveside service will be held on Friday, July 3rd, at Mart Cemetery. Alan Smith, long-time friend of the Kemps, will officiate. A memorial service for friends and family will be planned for a future date.

Jim was born February 4, 1930, in Gatesville, Texas to Ira Kemp and Veda May (Wise) Kemp. He attended schools in Gatesville and Rogers and graduated from Rogers High School in 1948. He attended Texas State Teachers College (now Texas State University) and graduated in 1951. He later earned a Master of Education degree from Baylor University.

Jim met Mary Ramsey at a Christmas party in December 1952. They were engaged 4 months later and were married on September 26, 1953, after he finished basic training at Ft. Bliss, Texas. After Jim’s separation from the army in 1955, the couple returned to Mart to Jim’s teaching and coaching job. In 1956, Karen was the first addition to the family. In 1958, Bruce completed the family.

Jim’s “teaching and coaching job” at Mart High School turned into his professional life’s calling, a calling he shared with Mary, who taught alongside him at Mart schools. He dedicated 37 years to Mart High School, the first 5 as a teacher and coach, then adding administrative duties as the high school principal for the next 32. Jim loved his staff, his students, and his roles as principal, teacher, and coach, and he was so proud of Mart ISD’s and Mart students’ many academic and athletic accomplishments over the years. Jim, along with Mary, officially retired in 1989, but he returned briefly to fill an interim principal role for part of the 1994-1995 school year.

After retiring, Jim and Mary enjoyed traveling. One accomplishment they were particularly proud of was visiting all 254 county courthouses in Texas. At each courthouse they visited with county judges or other officials, took pictures, and learned about each courthouse’s architect, architecture, and history. Jim had many interesting and entertaining stories about each county courthouse.

Jim loved the Mart community and Mart ISD and only left Mart when Mary’s health required them to be nearer to healthcare services. He dearly loved his family and served as the biggest, best cheerleader for his children and grandchildren throughout his life. Most importantly, he loved and served his Lord, and we are at peace knowing he is resting in heaven now. He was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ.

Preceding Jim in death were his parents, his brother, Ralph Kemp, and his beloved wife Mary. Surviving Jim are his daughter, Karen Richardson and husband Billy of Waco; son Bruce Kemp and wife Kyle of Houston; grandson Brian Richardson and wife Brenda of Decatur, Alabama; granddaughter Sarah Diab and husband Danny of Houston; great-granddaughters Braelyn and Belle Richardson of Decatur, Alabama; and a much-loved group of “Ramsey clan” nieces and nephews.

For those desiring, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to your favorite charity.