J. Lloyd Kems

J. Lloyd Kems (March 10, 1936 – August 1, 2026)

J. Lloyd Kems, 90, went to be with his brothers and sisters on August 1, 2026. A great-grandfather, grandfather, father, uncle, and friend to many, he will be remembered for his witty humor, attention to detail, and precise documentation. He cherished his family and friends dearly and will be greatly missed. The bond with his brother, Dale, will be remembered by their sharing of the same birthday card for years, and forever memorialized as they are placed to rest side by side.

He was preceded in death by his father, Alfred Erik; his mother, Mae Sophia; and his 10 brothers and sisters: Jane, Vincent, Virginia, Myron, JoAnn, Mayann, Dale, Babe, Betty, and Sheron.

He is survived by Carol, his wife of 61 years; three sons, Chris, Jason, and Jerry; five grandchildren, Troy, Cheyenne, Trevor, Corbin, and Briar; and one great-grandchild, Kalder.

After graduating from high school, JL proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, serving for four years from 1955 to 1959. During his enlistment, he went from sweeping floors to flying as an aircrew member on a Grumman S-2F Tracker aircraft, hunting enemy submarines with the VS-37 Squadron on board the USS Princeton (CV-37). JL rose to the rank of E-4 with an AMH-3 (Aviation Structural Mechanic Hydraulics) rating.

After his enlistment, JL returned to Millard and worked for the City of Millard. He would often tell stories of having to change the flashing light atop the water tower and eating his lunch in the sewers.

In April of 1965, JL and Carol were joined in holy matrimony. The family was started in 1967 and expanded in 1969. Carol and JL knew they needed a bigger place, so JL proudly designed and built a home in 1969. They expanded the family again in 1972, raised all three boys, and continued to live there for fifty years.

JL volunteered for the Millard Volunteer Fire Department for many years, serving from crewmember all the way to Chief. He had a blast pitching for the fire department softball team and taking his family to the annual picnic.

He owned and operated a couple of businesses in the Millard area, including an ice making and delivery company and a packaged liquor store. JL loved to make frames for himself, friends, and family, even starting his own hobby business, “I Was Framed.”

GRAVESIDE SERVICE: Friday, September 4, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Omaha National Cemetery.

AFTER SERVICE GATHERING: Friday, September 4, 2026 at approximately 1:00 PM at the American Legion Post 374 - 13913 S St., Omaha, NE 68137.

JL requested no memorial gifts or flowers. Please make any memorial donation to your local Church or Veterans organization.

Braman Mortuary & Cremation Service (6505 S. 144 St. Omaha, NE 68114 ~ 402-895-3400)