James J. Kemmerer

     Mr. James J. Kemmerer, 83, a lifelong resident of the city's Rolling Mill Hill neighborhood, passed peacefully into eternal life shortly before noon on Wednesday, March 12th while in the care of the Meadows Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Dallas; following a recent illness.

     Born on Monday, April 21, 1941 in Wilkes-Barre, Jim was the last surviving of three sons to the late Arthur M. and Mary Ruth (Schmidt) Kemmerer.  Educated in the city schools, he was a graduate of the former Grand Army of the Republic Memorial High School, Wilkes-Barre, Class of 1959.

     Prior to his retirement, Mr. Kemmerer was co-owner working with his brothers in the family business; Henry Kemmerer Sons Masonry of Wilkes-Barre.

     Prior to entering the family business, Jim served as a patrolman alongside his late brother Art on the City of Wilkes-Barre Police Department from 1967 until 1975.

     Proud of his German Catholic heritage, he was a lifelong member of Saint Boniface Parish and later Saint Nicholas-Saint Mary Parish, both of Wilkes-Barre.

     Mr. Kemmerer bid farewell to both of his brothers, Henry "Hank" Kemmerer and Arthur C. "Art" Kemmerer as well as Hank’s wife Nancy.  He was also preceded in death by longtime companion, Lois Ziller on February 27, 2020. 

     Left to cherish his memory are nieces Joanne Kemmerer Namey of Florida; Michelle Evanoski of Texas; Nephews, Dr. Eric Kemmerer of Shavertown; Christian Kemmerer of Philadelphia; Sister-in-law, Anne Kemmerer of Hanover Township and the Ziller Family including Jim's caregivers, Alfred "Buddy" Ziller Jr. and his wife Susan of Shavertown along with several dear friends.

     Funeral services for Mr. Kemmerer will be conducted on Monday, March 17th at 9:15 a.m. from the John V. Morris Family Funeral Home Inc., 625 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, followed by his funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in the Church of Saint Nicholas, 226 South Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre.  The Reverend Joseph D. Verespy, pastor, will serve as celebrant and homilist.

     Interment will be in the family lot of Saint Mary's Cemetery, 1594 South Main Street, Hanover Township, where Father Verespy will confer the Rite of Committal.

     Relatives and friends may join Mr. Kemmerer's family for visitation and shared remembrances Sunday afternoon from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

     Those wishing to share online words of comfort or a fond memory of Jim with the family, are encouraged to do so here on his memorial page. Thank You.

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