John Michael Lempp

A man of quiet kindness who enjoyed the contentment of a simple life, John Lempp left this world on March 22, 2026, at home with his family by his side. He loved a home-cooked meal, a good fire, and long walks in the woods with his loyal companion Nellie by his side. His best days were spent with his family and laughing with good friends. Always unassuming and humble, John was the same loving steady person every single day.

John was born on January 17, 1965, to Alice Cotter Lempp and Arthur Lempp in Hauppauge, New York. He lived most of his life in the Jamestown, NC area and attended Ragsdale High School. A Tar Heel for life, John graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in English. This degree led to a career in the automotive industry which spanned over forty years of his life. With an exceptional work ethic, John stayed busy with projects around the house, chopping firewood and being outside as much as possible. He was a loyal caregiver to both of his parents in their final years providing for their every need. John leaves a legacy to his children of seeing the joy in small details, valuing consistency in action and in word, and the beauty of leaving a gentle impact on those whose lives he touched.

John will be forever missed by his wife of thirty-five years, Sara Lempp and their children, Grace, Rachel and Sam Lempp as well as his good girl Nellie. Also mourning his loss are his brothers Kenneth Lempp, Robert Lempp (Claudia) and Andrew Lempp (Jennifer) and brother-in-law, Randy Stroud. His mother-in-law Brenda Ellingson, and sister-in-law Susan Garrett (Todd) and brother-in-law David Erwin (Maria) also feel his loss. A large extended family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews complete the large family that will miss him so very much. Good friends that were like family to him will never forget the years of memories we all made together.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Eileen Stroud.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the providers and staff at Duke Cancer Center for their compassionate care, support and dedication throughout John’s colon cancer treatment.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on April 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at The River Twist Homestead and Farm at 5334 River Road, Jamestown, NC. The family will receive friends following the service.

Anyone who would like to support a cause that was helpful to John, please consider giving paltown.org , the nonprofit that supports the colontown.org community and its programs to educate patients and caregivers. The family also encourages friends and loved ones to get screened regularly for colon cancer for early intervention and treatment.

Flower arrangements or plants may be sent to Hanes Lineberry/Sedgefield chapel.

Hanes-Lineberry Sedgefield Chapel is honored to serve the Lempp family.