Former Atlas Township Supervisor, soldier and family man Jim Hempton’s commitment to the community will long be remembered by those that served with him and whose lives he touched.
James Richard Hempton of Goodrich died Dec. 25 at Genesys Regional Medical Center.
He was 69.
A Flint native, Jim was born on Sept. 3, 1941, the son of George and Lula Hempton. The family moved to Goodrich when Jim was 5-years-old. In 1950, his family helped established the Goodrich Assembly of God Church located on Huron Street in Goodrich where George was the pastor.
Jim was a 1959 graduate of Goodrich High School. He served four years in the Army as a military policeman and married Sherry (Pleasant) on June 15, 1968. He was employed at Hempton’s Body Shop and also worked in both auto sales and real estate. Hempton served as Atlas Township Supervisor from 1984-1992.
For 20 years village resident Emery Bennett served as a Atlas Township trustee including eight years with Jim.
‘Jim was super person,? said Bennett. ‘Jim’s service to the community was outstanding and he was a very efficient supervisor’he contributed a lot of the township. He was a very good singer and just a good person. He’ll be missed.?
Surviving are wife, Sherry; Children, Rachel (Chris) Caverly, Nathan (Helena); three grandchildren, Anthony, Gavin and Liam; Sisters and brother, Lola (Giles) Hofacer, Dan (Jan) and Lois (Bob) Bouck; Many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Sonny.
Sara Bachmann served as Atlas Township treasurer from 1983-2003. ‘I worked with Jim for all eight years when he was township supervisor,? said Bachmann. ‘I knew Jim very well, he sang at my wedding. Jim was a friend before he took office and a friend long after he left. He was very much a people person and teated everyone the same. He was a good person to work with.?
James was also a member of the Point Church in Goodrich.
Funeral services were held Dec. 29 at The Point Church, 9430 Perry Road, Goodrich. Pastor Josh Combs officiated. Burial in Goodrich Cemetery with a military graveside service under the auspices of VFW Post #3087 Honor Guard.
The Hempton family thanks neighbors, paramedics and deputies who assisted during their time of need. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family.