Lt Col James R Hemphill, 89, passed peacefully at home on Wednesday, February 8th, 2023, surrounded by family. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Jim was born and grew up in Lawrence, KS. He was the son of Thornton and Helen (Cleveland) Hemphill. At a young age, he and his sister Charlene were raised by their grandparents after the death of their mother.
Jim graduated from the University of Kansas in 1954 with a degree in business and wife Carolyn Laing.
After college, he spent 2 years of active duty flying jets in the Air Force and 26 years in the Missouri Air National Guard flying refueler and cargo aircrafts. He and Carolyn met many of their lifelong friends during his time in the Air National Guard. Jim and his air force buddies enjoyed taking in the local sites and the local beers during their travels.
He also enjoyed building custom homes.
Survivors include, high school sweetheart and wife of 68 years, Carolyn, daughters Wendy Stauffer (Ron), Jennifer Hemphill, and Gretchen Windholz (Tim), all of Lawrence; Grandchildren Anna van Haandel, Lake Villa, IL; Ryan Stauffer, Heidi Webb, Hannah Windholz, and James Windholz, of Lawrence; Great-Grandchildren Jasper van Haandel, Sydney van Haandel, and Milo Webb.
Survivors also include sister Charlene Fritzel, Lawrence; half-brothers Richard Hemphill, De Soto, KS; and Roger Hemphill, Overland Park, KS.
He was preceded in death by his half-brother David Hemphill of Lawrence.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that you support the organization of your choice.
Lt Col James R. Hemphill has flown west.
Wendy and family. So sorry for the loss of your Dad!! Prayers and condolences ? to you and your family!! ❤
So sorry to hear about Jim. He was a great man, with
many talents, and respected by all. Prayers and condolences to the family, and to all who knew and loved him. Rest In Peace Jim.
Dear Gretchen and Hemphill Family members. I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. Losing someone you love is so hard.
May your faith be your strength in knowing he is at peace now.
I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers as your grieve this life changing loss.
Deepest Sympathy,Sue
Jim and Carolyn were my classmates all through the later grades in the Lawrence schools. Many happy memories are recalled of those years and afterwards. So sorry to lose Jim. He was a truly good friend. Our condolences to Carolyn and the family.
Bill and Betty Alburty, Leawood, KS
Sorry to hear of Jim’s death. My condolences to Carolyn and family.
So sorry to hear of Jim’s death. He was a very strong man who lived an varied, interesting life. Condolences to the family. LaDonna Laing
To all the family of Jim Hemphill, we offer our sincere condolences. A life well lived. George and Sherry Catt.