John S. Kimpel

John S. Kimpel, known by all as “Jack,” passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2019. His wife of nearly 63 years, Janice, was at his side. Jack was born on August 17th, 1930, the oldest of three sons to John Farley and Rebecca Jane Isenberg Kimpel

Jack graduated from Lincoln High School in Ellwood City, PA in 1948. He attended Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA for the next two years.  When duty called, he enlisted in the army during the Korean conflict. Jack was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC and the Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD.

Following his service, he graduated from Watchmaking School at the Bowman Technical Institute in Lancaster, PA, earning the title of Certified Master Watchmaker. At the time, he was the 1,234 person to receive that designation.

Jack married Janice Marion McKim in 1956.

He opened Kimpel’s Jewelry and Gifts with his brother, Bill, in Columbiana, OH on July 5, 1957, where he worked until he retired in the late 80’s. He earned the titles of both Registered Jeweler and Certified Gemologist from the American Gem Society.

Jack was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Columbiana where he served over the years as a teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Lay Leader, delegate to conference, and on various boards. He was a former member of Rotary and the Gideons International and served on the Columbiana Exempted Village School Board from 1968 – 1971.

He leaves behind his wife Janice, son, John Kimpel of Columbiana, OH, daughter, Lauren and John Mitchener of Troy, MI and granddaughters Michelle and Molly Mitchener, and son James F. and Anne Kimpel of Pittsburgh, PA and grandsons Charles and Heather Kimpel and Stephen and Shelby Kimpel, his brother, Robert and Peg Kimpel and Ella Mae Kimpel, the widow of his brother, William Johnson Kimpel, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends from 10 to 12 on the morning of Saturday, May 11th at the First United Methodist Church of Columbiana. A Celebration of Life service will follow at noon in the church sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Columbiana, 210 S. Main St., Columbiana, OH 44408.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana.

Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.familycareservices.com