Malcom Kemp

Malcom Kemp of Jackson, MS died September 16 surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edith and Don Kemp, and his son, Steven Kemp. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Paula Connolly Kemp, his son Brian Kemp and daughter-in-law Gail Kemp of Richmond, VA, his daughter Sarah Young and son-in-law Russell Young of Jackson, MS and his grandchildren Anderson, Paul and Gabrielle Kemp and Jack, Beth Ann and Garner Young. He also leaves behind his brother Bruce (Karen) Kemp and sister Kay (Bob) Fisk, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Malcom was born on April 21, 1942 in Glendale, CA. He spent his formative years in Big Pine, CA where he was one of ten in his high school graduating class. In addition to excelling in academics, Malcom was also Student Body President, a Volunteer Firefighter (alongside his Dad), a Life Scout, a Boy’s State Honoree, a member of the Big Pine Warriors Basketball team, and a lifeguard. An early illustration of his athletic prowess and humor came in retelling the story of an anxious bus ride following a hard-fought game against a rival high school when the coach felt the athletic bus may be stormed by angry fans of the opposing team. The coach admonished the team as follows: fighters, I want you to fight, runners, I want you to run, and Malcom, I want you to hide behind the backseat. Clearly, his confidence and popularity were undamaged.

Upon his graduation from Big Pine HS, Malcom went on to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he majored in Electrical Engineering, served on the Volunteer Fire Department, became Student Body President, and met the love of his life, Paula. The latter two were intertwined as his campaign platform revolved around allowing women equal social opportunities to men, a cause dear to Paula’s heart. Because of the times, Paula’s Catholic upbringing, and an unfortunate delay in engraving, his proposal did not include the traditional ring, but a thermometer (later updated with an engraved watch and a proper diamond ring). Fortunately, she accepted and they were married on July 17, 1965 – less than a month after both graduated.

His EE degree resulted in a job with General Electric and a move across country to Schenectady, NY in their trusty (and very extravagant) 1965 Plymouth Sports Fury. The young couple lived happily (though frugally) while his career prospered and had two children in Schenectady – Steven and Brian. After

earning a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Union College and advancing his career, he transferred to Phoenix, AZ where they bought their first house.

After only 2 years, the division that he worked for was sold to Honeywell and another cross-country move ensued – this time to Stone Mountain, GA. The couple bought another house, had another child, Sarah, and ensconced themselves into the community. Malcom truly became a pillar of the community. Starting with heavy involvement in his children’s schools, he was co-President (with Paula) of the PTA at both Allgood and Redan. He and Paula were involved in the schools in such a way that their children’s friends still think of them as second parents.

The family joined a small community pool and tennis club and Mountainview became the epicenter of their social lives. Friends made there remain friends today. It was the “village” that helped them raise their children.

One of his greatest joys came in watching his children perform. Whether it was sitting on the sidelines of the baseball or softball fields, cheering a soccer game, or keeping score and announcing at summer swim meets, he tried never to miss an event.

During his successful career at Honeywell, then later BellSouth, he became an early “computer geek”. He still had his slide rule from his years as an Engineer, but soon found that the power of computers was the future. Not only did he sell and manage systems during his career, he also became a self-taught programmer. He created a computer operating system (XBIOS) that he used in many homegrown applications – before apps were even a thing.

In the mid-nineties, he built the “smart home” of his dreams. Not only did he wire the house himself, he automated, by his own programs, systems throughout the house to: respond and react to ambient light and motion, adjust lighting and ventilation based on occupancy, and adjust lawn watering based on ground moisture. He had the time of his life.

After “retiring” to Jackson, MS in 2006, he used his tech knowledge to continue his working career with TecInfo and U.S. Next and began his late-life love of volunteer work with the Mississippi Children’s Museum. There he not only helped refine the database, but also recorded a reading of The Giving Tree, played Santa at Christmastime, and continued to give of his time to promote education and discovery.

Another of his great passions was his grandchildren. At the milestone of their 10th birthdays, each grandchild took a unique trip with Grandpa and Bubbles making memories for a lifetime.

He felt blessed to have the very best doctors and nurses. Special thanks to Dr. Gene Loper, Dr. Nicole Cleveland, Dr. Mark Klein, Dr. Steven Wagner, Dr. Madhu Belur, Jacqueline Carrillo, CFNP and the staffs of Fresenius, 4South and Hospice Ministries at St. Dominic’s.

A memorial reception will be held at Parkway Funeral Home, 1161 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157 on October 13, 2018 from 2-4. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in the name of Malcom Kemp to the Mississippi Children’s Museum, P.O. Box 55409, Jackson, MS 39296.