In loving memory of

Jeffrey James Kemp

Jeff, 58, left his loving family and friends on October 4, 2017, taking his beautiful gifts of love and friendship to his new Heavenly home.

Survivors include wife Cassie, daughter Kelley, and son Reid. Also, parents Richard and Marilyn Kemp, brothers Scott (Linda) and Jerry (Debbie) and nieces, Elysa and Hillery.

Jeff was born November 28, 1958, in Peoria, Illinois. The family moved to Phoenix a short time later where Jeff followed his two older brothers to ASU, earning a Business degree that led to a successful career in sales. Jeff was a gifted athlete, participating in basketball and track at Central HS, Glendale CC and ASU. With his friendly nature and good humor, Jeff created wonderful memories with everyone he met through school, sports and business relationships. As one friend shared, "He always made you feel good about yourself."

Jeff had a great love of Nature and spent his Summers enjoying hiking and biking adventures with his family across the Northwest and Southwest of America, Canada and Europe.

A Celebration of Life for Jeff will be held Thursday, December 28, 2017 at 10:30 AM at First Christian Church, 6750 North 7th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85013. Memorials can be shared with the beautiful people at Hospice of the Valley at https://www.hov.org/donate/.

Farewell brave heart, dear husband, loving father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, friend.

Tributes

Kevin Alt wrote on Dec 18, 2018:

"It's hard to believe it's been over a year since Jeff died. I think of him often. Miss him."

Wade Mukai wrote on May 9, 2018:

"I was very fortunate to know & work with Jeff at Interface for over 8+ years. We roomed together on several occasions at our national sales meetings. I truly cherish our working friendship and many thoughtful conversations. Appreciated your kindness and words of support everytime we met. I will forever remember the memories. I pray for your family for comfort and knowing that you are in heaven at peace. Until we meet again Jeff. You are surely missed. With love and Aloha."

Kelli Berry wrote on Dec 28, 2017:

"Quite, kind, family man, wickedly funny, uncomplicated, faithful - these words describe The Jeff I knew. I worked with Jeff for twenty years. We traveled together occasionally - one time Jeff was driving a motor home and decided to switch seats w another co worker while the vehicle carrying the sales team was still in motion - on mountain roads! He was forever dubbed ?Snowman?. Days before his passing we were texting. i asked him if he had been in touch w God- his response was spectacular, ?On Christ the mighty rock I stand, All other ground is shifting sand.? I knew Jeff was in a good place w The Lord. I loved Jeff. God Loves Him More."

Susie Sabel wrote on Dec 27, 2017:

"If there was ever anyone who deserves a front row seat in Heaven it's Jeff Kemp "Uncle Jeff" as I called him as I was lucky to share three beautiful nieces with him. As are all the Kemp men - he was a true gentleman. His gentle manner and kindness to all whom he touched is a reflection of growing up with Marilyn and Dick. We are so lucky to have his beautiful children Kelly and Reid and of course Jeff's best friend and beautiful wife Cassie to remind us everyday of the wonderful family they created together - a constant reminder of his memory and his love of life. He will be missed by so many - but a very bright star in the sky shines every night reminding us that he is smiling down from Heaven and will always live in our hearts! Enjoying a Root Beer and thinking of you! Love Aunt Susie"

Wade Herter wrote on Dec 11, 2017:

"I was always happy to see Jeff, he was a great guy! I've known Jeff since the 1970's. Before Jeff dealt with his illness, his physical stature was impressive. First of all he could dunk the basketball. Jeff tried out for the Olympics and came close to qualifying. Jeff challenged a runner in San Diego and beat a professional runner. Jeff had skills and was very modest about it. I admired his God given talents. Some people you'll never forget and Jeff is one of them. Jeff was also a great friend and I will miss him dearly. My prayers go out to Cassie, the Kids, Mother, Father and the Brothers."

Mom and Dad wrote on Nov 4, 2017:

"Thank you, Jeff, for being a vital, warm part of our family for nearly 59 years. Thank you for raising your own family, living an example of what a loving father and husband should be. Thanks for the many friendships and warm memories you made while passing through this wonderful life. Thanks for your bravery, even cheerfulness, through three major health issues. We miss you so. Please save us all a place in your heavenly home. Our love always,"

Brad Kemp wrote on Oct 23, 2017:

"The miles between cousin Jeff and I didn't allow us to be see each other often, but his easy, friendly manner quickly erased those years apart. Many years ago I was lucky to have spent time with Jeff on a family vacation at the Grand Canyon and Lake Powell, and Jeff was a big reason that I still call that my "all-time favorite" vacation. All of my memories of Jeff are good ones, and I am smiling now while thinking about him. I miss you Jeff. May God bless all the family, and also the friends of Jeff and Cassie."

Mary Dahms wrote on Oct 23, 2017:

"Although Jeff and I are cousins -( and share the same birthday!), we didn't get to see one another often due to distance. I am thankful Jeff, Cassie and the kids made a visit a few years ago to Illinois and Wisconsin so we all had a chance to re-connect. Jeff had the same kind manner and fun sense of humor that I remembered from Many years ago when we all hiked the Grand Canyon. Every time I wanted to give up (it was Hot!!!) Jeff would break out in song or tell a joke and make us laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with you all - may God graciously carry you during this difficult time."

George and Linda Schultz wrote on Oct 22, 2017:

"To all of Jeff's friends and family, We didn't have the pleasure of meeting Jeff, but if he's anything like his brother, Jerry, then he was a very special man. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you mourn the loss of this wonderful man."

Joseph deGraft-Johnson wrote on Oct 19, 2017:

"Jeff and I have worked together for almost 15 years. We would catch up every six months for lunch and talk about family and friends. Often, we would talk about are families, life experiences and lessons learned. I was on facebook today and saw the news. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Jeff love of live, spirit and friendship will be missed. Words cannot express how much of an impact he made in my life or the life of others. Until we meet in heaven, farewell my friend."

Mindie Hogan wrote on Oct 19, 2017:

"I was fortunate to work with and be around Jeff a couple of times at Interface and have to say he was such an inspiration! No matter how bad he felt, he was always positive and lifting others up. He will be greatly missed."

Molly Evans wrote on Oct 18, 2017:

"Dearest Kemp Family, Each of you are in my thoughts; the loss of dear Jeff is so very big and too soon. Jeff was one of cool Kemp cousins. . . Scott and Jerry, the three of you were the TALL cousins we got to see way too infrequently. We treasured your visits to Washington and our trips to Phoenix. Please know that you?re loved and held close in our hearts. Molly (Montz) Evans"

Debi sessler Jones wrote on Oct 18, 2017:

"Dear Kemp family, this is such a shock to so many! I have fond memeories of Jeff growing up and even after college when he was working in the fitness industry. He was kind enough to employ me for many of the hospital wellness center programs he helped run. He was always so kind and professional. In high school he was a good friend who always had a smile on his face. I send my deepest sympathy to his family and want everyone to know what a wonderful person he was. God bless. Debi Sessler Jones"

Peter Moosbrugger wrote on Oct 18, 2017:

"Jeff and I ran the intermediate hurdles together at ASU. Over the years we got together a few times and I was always impressed with Jeff's relaxed enthusiasm for life! Even though I didn't know him well he had a great impact on my life. He was truly a unique one of a kind person with an absolutely pure heart and fantastic sense of humor. He'll be greatly missed."

Charles and Katy wrote on Oct 18, 2017:

"We met Jeff and Cassie walking our dogs at the park, and just immediately knew what nice people they are. We are greatly saddened by this news and send our deepest condolences. We only know the Kemp family from walking in the park, but our brief conversations were always a highlight of that day."

John Irvine wrote on Oct 17, 2017:

"Jeff, I first saw Jeff at a high school track meet at in the spring of 1976 I was a sophomore at West High and he was a senior at Central High school and we became friends when we ran Track together at ASU. He was a great guy and a good friend even though over the past 40 years I only saw him a few times a year. My condolences to his family. He will be missed. John Irvine Prescott, Az."

Mark Manoil wrote on Oct 17, 2017:

"Cassie and Kemp family, please accept my most profound condolences. Jeff will always be remembered as a playful, light-hearted soul who brought joy and warmth to those around him."

Tim C. Perkins wrote on Oct 17, 2017:

"Grew up down the street on Oregon Ave with Jeff. We went to school together(1st grade -high school), played in little league together and spent many a weekend playing football at Solano school with the other neighborhood kids. I'm glad I was able to catch up with him again this past year during our reunion. 58 is much too young. My condolences to his wife and kids and his parents and brothers."

Andy Green wrote on Oct 17, 2017:

"Jeff was a a loving husband, a great father, and passionate about his family and life. Jeff lived all of his 58 years to the fullest. Jeff was an example to me about the the truly important things in life - family and friends. Jeff?s good nature and zest for life will be missed but not forgotten. Tracy and I pray for all of those he had to leave behind. We know Jeff?s passing leaves a big void in the hearts of many. I will cherish all of the good memories I have of him. Godspeed Jeff!"

Lynette Quade wrote on Oct 17, 2017:

"Dear Kemp family, Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time of complete sorrow. Jeff was an all around American guy, always ready with a smile to help his family and friends. He was loved by all who knew him. We have very wonderful memories of him. Love Lynette & Kent"

Doris herrdcher wrote on Oct 17, 2017:

"So sorry to hear about Jeff He was still young. Condolences to all the family."

Ron Wood wrote on Oct 17, 2017:

"Hi Jerry this Ron Wood (Herrscher) my brothers and I lived across the street from you guys when we first moved to the neighborhood on Oregon street we are so sorry and very saddened by Jeff?s passing he and I reconnected a few years back on Facebook we have often wondered how all of you and your family have been have always loved your family and how you accepted us and befriended us when we moved in my truly heart felt condolences iv always had special place in my heart for Jeff and all of you please along my condolences to your mom and dad and to Scott as well god bless be well"

David Karstadt wrote on Oct 16, 2017:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. I grew up with Jeff since grade school. If I didn't see him for years we could have lunch and with Jeff our friendship never missed a beat. A very special person to call my friend."

Bryan Gillis wrote on Oct 16, 2017:

"Jeff and I met in first grade and were best friends for over 50 years. For the past 9 years, after I moved to Atlanta, Jeff always made sure that we spoke at least once a week on the phone. Jeff?s parents always made me feel like family. I will miss you every day. You were like a brother to me. I am at peace, though,knowing that you and I will see each other again in Heaven. I send my love and prayers to the family. Love you all."

Vincent Natale wrote on Oct 16, 2017:

"My sincere condolences to all of Jeff's family. I have known Jeff for about 10 years through his work but over that time we became more than business partners, we became friends. When Jeff was able to come to Tucson, I enjoyed catching up with conversations about family and adventures. I envied his "house flipping" skills. He was always interested in hearing about me and my family, as Danielle said above, he was truly genuine. I will miss not being able to call him just to catch up. He was a good man and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to be his friend."

Danielle Meyer wrote on Oct 16, 2017:

"There will forever be a missing teammate in the PacSouth?but we will never forget Jeff?s kind heart, true care for and appreciation of others, his genuine nature, and his warm smile. To his dear family whom he always spoke so highly of, you are in my thoughts and prayers daily. -Danielle M. Interface - Denver, CO"

Craig & Lisa 1teraji wrote on Oct 14, 2017:

"Our condolences to his family, his mother & father and his brothers. We will miss our friend. I had a lot of Great memories while he was in San Diego & Phoenix. Jeff was a very good friend, competitor and such a nice guy. I really admired his courage and fight with cancer. I know with his competitive spirit, he was always fighting it with all he had till the end and now he's in a better place. Rest in Peace my friend. Craig & Lisa Teraji"

Jerry and Debbie Kemp wrote on Oct 13, 2017:

"To all our fellow relatives of Jeff (as well as friends): We miss Jeff each and every passing day and miss his wonderful spirit. We are greatly reduced as we don't have our Jeff in our lives each day now ... but we are grateful for the 58+ years we knew and loved him and experienced being around him. We should all look to do as many good things for others going forward in the giving and welcoming spirit that Jeff showed in living his life. God be with you Jeff. Jer and Deb"