John Kempton

Jack was born on March 3, 1938 in Richmond, VA to Thomas James Kempton and Mary Hundley Kempton.

Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Thomas James Kempton, Jr. (Jim) and his first wife, Elizabeth Glass Kempton.

Growing up with his brothers Richard Irwin Kempton and Thomas James Kempton, Jr. in Richmond, VA, he developed his love for the outdoors and fishing. He attended Ferrum Junior College and William and Mary. After college, he served in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1957 to 1960 as a Corporal, and was initially stationed in Camp Lejeune, NC.

Soon after leaving the U.S. Marine Corp, he accepted a job in Atlanta, GA with Sheaffer Pen Company. Jack discovered a passion for sales, and moved to Greensboro, NC where he accepted a sales position with Patterson Dental Company. Jack enjoyed a successful career with Patterson Dental for over 40 years. He shared that his greatest career highlight was knowing and working alongside many wonderful people for so many years. After retiring, Jack moved to Charleston to be closer to his family.

Jack was an avid golfer, loved to fish, and enjoyed being outside. He also enjoyed the fellowship shared in Sunday School and listening to old hymns. Jack relished his time metal detecting and going to yard sales. He was always excited to find an old coin or piece of jewelry, or an overlooked antique. Jack had a passion for refinishing antique furniture, old cars, and bird watching. More than anything, he enjoyed being with family and his dog Buddy. His greatest joy was being around his granddaughter Ellie.

He is survived by his son, Jason Ware Kempton; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Overman Kempton (Beth); and granddaughter, Elizabeth Parker Kempton (Ellie) of Charleston.

The family will organize a time to celebrate Jack’s life with family and friends late June/early July in Charleston. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude), Reality Ministries (https://realityministriesinc.org/donate/), or the Charleston Animal Society (https://charlestonanimalsociety.org/).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.carolinamemorial.com for the Kempton family.