James Kemmeter

MADISON - James A. Kemmeter, age 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sat. Mar. 12, 2016 at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. He was born Feb. 7, 1938 in Jefferson, the son of the late Lee and Lucille (Schmid) Kemmeter. Jim is a proud 1961 graduate of the Naval Academy, and served his Country as an officer in the United States Navy until 1965. He married Catherine E. Warren on April 24, 1965 in San Diego, CA. Next he then attended the UW Law School, graduating in 1968. James worked for Lathrop and Clark Law Firm for 28 years before opening his own private practice which he operated for 16 years. He felt it was always important to serve others, and that belief led him to join the Lions Club. James was active in the Madison Central Lions, and was the winner of the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for Dedicated Humanitarian Service for his work with Lions Eye Bank Program. He enjoyed playing golf and especially playing Bridge. In later years, the highlight of his time was the time spent with his grandchildren that he loved so dearly. Jim enjoyed following Badger sports of any kind.
James is survived by his wife of 50 years Catherine, 2 daughters Teresa (Todd) Schoenthal and Laura (James) Moyer; 4 grandchildren Julia and John Schoenthal, and Cole and Levi Moyer; brother Don (Ann) Kemmeter; sister Mary Lee Dusick; as well as nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Robert Kemmeter.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday March 17, 2016 at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5313 Flad Ave. Madison, with Msgr. Michael L. Burke presiding. A visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the Mass on Thurs. at church. Burial will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the Mass at Church.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Madison Central Lions Club, attn: John Jenson, 2523 Targhee St. Madison, WI 53711.
The family sends special thanks the following groups for their compassionate care, Fresenius Renal Center, Senior Helpers, and Agrace HospiceCare.

Cress
Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
608-238-3434