James Lee Kemplin Sr.

James "Jim" Lee Kemplin Sr., 83, of Spring Hill, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2026, after a short illness at the Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, West Virginia.

Jim was born on April 3, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, to Ira Oscar "Buster" and Hellen Louise (Rogers) Kemplin.

Jim was co-owner of the Exxon Gas Station in Dunbar, West Virginia, in the 1980s for many years. Jim also owned and operated a painting contractor business.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Martha "Marty" Louise (Keller) of Spring Hill, West Virginia. They were childhood sweethearts and were married for 63 years. Son, Mark Allen Kemplin, of Cross Lanes, West Virginia; brothers Ira Richard Kemplin (Jane) of Kenna, West Virginia, and John Allen Kemplin (Beverly) of St. Albans, West Virginia.

Predeceased by his parents Ira Oscar "Buster" and Hellen Louise (Rogers) Kemplin; son, James Lee Kemplin Jr.; brothers, William "Bill" Edward Kemplin of Arizona and Charles Franklin Kemplin of Florida.

Jim was a 58-year member of L.U. 970 International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).

Jim loved his GTO and had several over the years.

A story was never far away when talking with Jim and usually resulted in a lesson learned.

Jim will be missed by all.

A private family service will be held as per Jim's request. Entombment will be at Cunningham Memorial Park in St. Albans, West Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Hubbard Hospice House of Charleston, West Virginia, 1001 Curtis Price Way, Charleston, West Virginia 25311.

The family would like to offer their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the staff and volunteers of the Hubbard Hospice House for the kindness and compassion they showed to Jim (and Marty), and thank them for taking such wonderful care of him while he was in their care. Jennifer made the emotional situation into a calm, stress-free time. A special thank you to his nurse, Ally, for being so sweet and caring to Jim while he was in your care. Our family appreciates you all more than you will ever know.

Please keep Marty and our family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God watch over our family until we meet again.

Elk Funeral & Cremation Service is honored to be assisting Jim's family.