James Kemppainen

James Richard Roy Kemppainen, a philosophical, master barber whose Church Street Barbers became an Ann Arbor institution, died peacefully on Tuesday morning at Arbor Hospice in Saline, Michigan. In his 40 + years of service to the UofM community, Jim developed a following, including the sons and grandsons of loyal clients. Jim, a soft spoken man, with many stories to share also provided a receptive ear. As told to an Ann Arbor Observer reporter, if they want to talk, I listen. In the same interview he reflected on retirement – saying it never occurred to me to have a job where I retired, I just keep going and going, as long as I can – and he did. Jim was born in Highland Park, Michigan on April 12, 1942 to Helen (Timonen) Kemppainen and Roy Kemppainen. He grew up in Tapiola, MI in a very proud Finnish family. He graduated from the J.A. Doelle School before becoming a member of the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division. During his training he was awarded Best Marksman which showed his love for guns. Jim studied at Eastern Michigan University and the Detroit Barber College. He married the former Marsha Knuuttila, also of Tapiola, and settled in Ann Arbor before having his only child, Ericka Lynn (Kemppainen) Cornell. Jim and Marsha would later divorce. Jim was a sportsman, a skier, a 25+ year member of the Ann Arbor Ski Club, a glider pilot and member of the Sandhill Soaring Club in Gregory, MI. He enjoyed many things including hunting, fishing, volleyball, ballroom dancing, and photography. He loved all of nature, especially birds, and he loved to travel. He was easy going and gentle natured, usually with a grin on his face. He used to say, try anything at least once and enjoy the ride. He truly had a zest for life. Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his only daughter Ericka (Kemppainen) Cornell, son-in-law Andrew Cornell, granddaughters Avelina and Ezlynn Cornell of Greenville, SC, one brother Dennis Kemppainen, of Harrisville, MI, and extended family, cousins and a great many friends. The family expresses great depths of gratitude to Lois Gannon, to Visiting Angels, hospice workers, former clients, and great friends, who have generously and lovingly supported the last stretch of Jims life. Jims final words on this earth were spoken, telling his daughter that he loved her and he was at peace. A graveside service with military honors conducted by the Copper Country Veterans Association was held at 11am, Thursday, August 26, 2021 in the Elo Cemetery.To view this obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home - Mountain View of South Range has assisted the family with the arrangements.