Grandpa Jim in the War
My dad and Grandpa
Grandpa at the World War II memorial
Grandpa this year with my neices and nephews trick or treating. Jaren is Mickey Mouse. Landrie is not there at no one with a cough was allowed in the house since he had just had a pace maker put in and had a heart cath just the week before.
This is Grandpa at his 90th birthday party on Sept. 22nd. He always wanted to make it to 90 and he did!!!
My sister Amy, my mom and together created a celebration flyer for my grandpa's services and these are the words we shared about him.
Jim was born to John and Rose (Gittrich) Kampling on a farm 2½ miles east of Cheney, KS. He attended St. Anthony’s Grade School, and Garden Plain High School. Jim served in the U.S. Army for three years. (1 year in the U.S., 6 months in England, 1½ years in Europe beginning with the invasion on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France and ending with the fall of Germany.) He married Mildred Bugner on Feb. 12, 1946 in St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Garden Plain, KS. He worked for 15 years as a milk delivery salesman for Stephen’s Dairy. Jim spent 35 years running Kampling’s General Store in Mt. Vernon, KS. Jim retired in Cheney and gained many years of wisdom over coffee in Gabby Jack’s Café.
Jim was always full of life, laughter and never short on jokes. He loved telling his jokes to anyone who would listen. The memories flying around lately vary from his uncanny ability to beat anyone at cards, to the grandkids getting bubble gum and playing in the minnow shed at the store.
Jim kept a daily journal since his retirement from the store. As we were going through them we found a few clips to share: When asked what word best describes your life, he answered “Lucky” ~ Lucky to always have the means to supply my family with what they needed. Lucky to get such a good, loving and hard-working wife. Lucky to be the proud father of 5 of the most wonderful kids who ever drew a breath of air. Lucky to have all of my grandchildren and great-grandchildren; they put spark and proudness in my life. Lucky to have driven Chevy’s, as they do you right.
When asked what advice about life do you want to pass onto others, he wrote: Do unto others as you would want others to do unto you. Be nice. Be friendly. Don’t lie, as it takes 3 more to cover up the first one. Always respect your mother and father. Don’t trade cars too often; two tires and a water pump is cheaper than payments.
When asked did you ever feel God had a special calling in your life, he wrote: God got me through several tough situations. While overseas in WWII I was scared, but never worried or thought I was going to get hit. I think the good Lord and my Guardian Angel was looking after me. During my triple bi-pass (70 yrs. old) I woke up and the first thing that went through my mind was “Thank God I’m alive. He backed me again”.
In Feb, 2009 a notation was: At this point we brag that we have 16 grandchildren and 19, 23, 24 great grandchildren they are all so wonderful and the highlight of our life. P.S. More is on order. (To date the additional order brought them to 28 great grandchildren.)
One thing is for sure Jim loved spending time with his family and friends, be it at weddings, birthdays, poker games, or just drinking coffee and telling jokes. Jim will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
I love you papa - I hope you are having a GREAT TIME!!!
He sounds like such a wonderful man, Jenny. Our condolences to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteYour first paragraph is so well written - really great that you are celebrating his 90 years lived. :)