GALENA–On Feb. 6, James Kemp, 77,  wandered off with peace in his heart, surrounded by his wife Laura and his four children.

Jim was a proud firefighter for 35 years, he spent 25 of those years working for the Elk Grove Village Fire Department. Being one of the first para-medics in the nation, he helped pioneer what we know as pre-hospital emergency medicine today. 

Of his many talents and interests, Jim was an enthusiastic artist, enjoyed various creative mediums and loved surprising many with one of his works. 
As an avid golfer and member of the Galena Golf Club, Jim enjoyed many rounds with family and friends. He shared his love of the game and unyield-
ing patience as he taught many to share his passion. 

Jim found his first love in Luella. They married May 21, 1960. They had 37 beautiful years together and enjoyed raising their four children in Prospect 
Heights. After Luella passed away 20 years ago, Jim moved to Galena Green Condos. Jim was blessed to have found love again in his friend and second 
wife Laura Barbeau. They spent 17 happy and fun filled years together.

Along with Laura, Jim is survived by his children, Laura Kemp Gibson (Gary) of Salt Lake City, Utah; Suzanne Salgado (Ramiro) of Galena; Tony Kemp 
(Bill Barrick) of The Inn at Irish Hollow in Galena; and Randall Kemp of Denver, Colo. Jim offered his heart and love to his seven grandchildren, Jennifer, 
Joey, Sarah, Daniel, Victoria, Samuel and Timothy and seven great-grandchildren, Drew, Ayden, Emma, Lujain, Omar, Danna and Faris. 

All will remember Jim with his smile and fun filled ways. In celebration of his life, enjoy a rum, a round of golf and a beautiful sunset, because as 
he would say: “it is what it is.”

Visitation will be Thursday, Feb. 9 from 4-8 p.m. 
at the Miller & Steinke Galena Chapel. Funeral will 
be private at the Log Cabin Cemetery.
Online condolences may be left at 
galenachapels.com.

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