James "Jim" H. Hempel of Sullivan, Missouri was born on July 25, 1936 in Olean, Missouri to Herman Ernest Hempel and Dorothy (Chapman) Hempel and passed away July 22, 2026 at the age of 89 years.
He spent his early years in St. Louis, Missouri where he attended Normandy High School. Later, the Hempel family moved to Spring Bluff, Missouri, where Jim helped his father on the family farm. As a young man, he also worked as a farmhand in the area.
He married Cleo Lawrence on March 14, 1959.
Jim and Cleo made their home in Sullivan, where Jim worked at General Motors for 30 years.
He loved spending time outdoors, enjoyed horses, trail riding, fishing, hunting, and boating on the Gasconade River. He was skilled at working on boat motors and could often be found tinkering in the garage. He also enjoyed playing blackjack and relaxing with a cold Stag beer.
He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sue Hempel; two grandsons, Tony Hempel and CJ Delcour; and one sister, Kathryn Schatz.
He is survived by his wife, Cleo Hempel of Sullivan, Missouri; children, Jimbo Hempel of Sullivan, Missouri, Jeff Hempel and wife Bambi of Bourbon, Missouri and Chuck Hempel and wife Tracy of Sullivan, Missouri; five grandchildren, Nicole Fellows and husband Steve, JD Hempel and significant other Julia, Tia Nunn and husband Justin, Dustin Hempel and significant other Tiffany Hoff and Uriah Heady and wife Jessica; two step grandchildren, Micah and Chase Zancauske; nine great grandchildren and another on the way; one sister, Helen Stara and husband Ron of Florida; other relatives and friends.
Cremation has taken place. No services are planned at this time.
Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan, Missouri.
