FORT MILL, SC – Mr. James "Jim" Walter Hempe, age 84, passed away Sunday, October 22, 2023.  Mr. Hempe was born January 12, 1939, in Queens, New York, son of the late George Hempe and Helen Neidkowski Hempe, and was the loving husband of the late Margaret "Peggy" Burke Hempe.

After serving in the United States Army, Jim began a career in the maritime industry which lasted for over forty years.  He was known for his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to connect with people.  Jim was an avid sports fan with an especially strong passion for baseball.  His love of the game grew over many decades of playing, coaching, rooting for his Phillies, and finally cheering from the sidelines for his grandsons all the way up until the last months of his life.  When not enjoying sports, Jim loved chess, swimming, trivia nights, cards with friends, and was always ready for a good conversation about history, politics, and of course, sports.  Although a man with many interests, all of them took a back seat to any opportunity he might have to spend time with his wife of over 50 years, or to be involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren.  Jim was a man of strong faith who prioritized going to weekly Bible studies with Peggy and enjoying the fellowship of friends at the churches they attended through the years.

Jim is survived by his son, Chris Hempe (Melanie); his daughter, Donna Hempe; four grandchildren, Adam Brooker, Melissa Brooker, Andrew Hempe, and Evan Hempe; his brother, George Hempe; niece Kathrin Clementelli (Ronald); nephew, Stewart Hempe (Deborah); brother-in-law, Michael Patrick Burke; nephew, Kevin Burke (Penny), and nieces, Lauren Burke and Kristin Mirsepahi (John).

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Peggy Hempe; his parents; and his sisters-in-law, Karin Hempe, Katie Burke DeFilippis, and Beth Burke.

The Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Hempe will be at 11:00 am Friday, October 27, 2023, at The Chapel of Burgess Funeral Home officiated by Rev. Timothy Espar.  There will be a private burial on Monday, October 30, 2023, at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Farmingdale, NY.

Mr. Hempe was a devoted caretaker of his wife Peggy as she suffered from Alzheimer's disease in the last years of her life and so, in lieu of flowers, for those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011.