Death Benefit #359 – James Hempker

James Douglas Hempker, age 76, passed away at 9:35 p.m. on Friday November 11, 2022, surrounded by his family in the comfort of his home after a brave and courageous battle with Mesothelioma.

James was born September 7, 1946 in Lima, OH, to the late James M. and Virginia C. (Williams) Hempker. On August 8, 1970 he married his wife of 52 years, Cheryl (Riner) Hempker.

James was a 1964 graduate of Lima Central Catholic High School and proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He served in the 9th Infantry and was awarded the National Defense Medal, Expert Rifle Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Service star and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. James retired in 2005 from the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union #776 after 37 years of service. James was an avid sportsman, enjoyed deer hunting and he especially loved spending time maintaining his property. Most of all, James was a proud husband, dad and grandpa who loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl; three children, Jeffrey (Carol) Hempker of Cumming, GA, Jennifer (Craig) Shivley of Lima and James C. (Rebecca) Hempker of Troy; seven grandchildren, Jordan (Brittany) Hempker, Jacob (Destiny) Shivley, Benjamin Hempker, Jack Shivley, Elise Hempker, Emma Hempker, Matthew Hempker and one great-grandchild on the way; three sisters, Pam Hunt, Mary (Mike) Caprella, Wanda (Joe) Hornung, brother, Dennis Hempker and his best friend, Louie Treglia.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Tom Hempker.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 17, 2022, at Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Shawnee Chapel. Father David Ross will officiate the service and burial will follow in Shawnee Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Army and the VFW #1275.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 17, prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family request in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made in James’ honor to Vietnam Veterans of America at www.vva.org, 8719 Colesville Rd, Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.