James Francis Kemblowski, D.D.S.

James Francis Kemblowski, 86, of Fort Lauderdale, FL and Maggie Valley, NC passed away in his Maggie Valley summer home on August 17th. Jim was born on January 26, 1938, in Auburn, New York to the late Stephen and Priscilla Kemblowski. 

He graduated from Temple University School of Dentistry in Philadelphia, PA. Right after graduation he joined the Air Force where he served as a captain for five years, two of those years in Vietnam with the AF Team " Fallen Angels", where he identified soldiers, who died in combat, by their dental records so they could be sent home to their families. 

Jim practiced Dentistry for 23 years in Miami, Florida and retired in 1993. He spent half his time in Maggie Valley where he was involved with the Maggie Valley Civic Association and gardening and half in Fort Lauderdale playing his beloved baby grand piano and watching the boats go by from his balcony. Equally talented as an artist, he produced over 40 oil paintings.

He also loved oceanic cruises and took over 30 of them in his lifetime.  Jim will be most remembered by a line from the poet William Wordsworth, "That best portion of a good man's life; his little, nameless unremembered acts of kindness and love." He believed love was the answer for all: Love of God. Love of life. Love of self.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jerome Kemblowski. He is survived by his lifelong partner of 55 years, Dennis Hoffman, a brother Donald (MaryJane) Kemblowski and many nieces, nephews and devoted friends.

A memorial service will be held during the week of September 16 at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church in Maggie Valley and a Celebration of Life will be held in Fort Lauderdale in early November. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church at 37 Murphy Dr, Maggie Valley, NC. 28751 in his memory. 

The care of Mr. Kemblowski has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville