James P. Sempek (79) passed on March 1st, 2026, a long-time resident of Fayetteville, TN. James Sempek was born to Edward and Elizabeth Sempek on March 4, 1946, in Chicago, IL. James’ family broke up, and he was raised in different foster homes and orphanages in the Chicago area. On the 4th of October 1964, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served for twenty-six years. During his service he spent thirty-four months in the Republic of Vietnam in which he saw action as a door-gunner/crew-chief on UH-1H helicopters. Operating in Pleiku, Dak To, Dak Seang, Kong Tom, Quin Nom, An Khe. He also served two tours in the Republic of Korea and a total of eight years in the Federal Republic of Germany. During his military career he received numerous awards, including twelve air medals and nine campaign ribbons, the heights being two Meritorious Service Awards, but the one he cherished most was the Army Commendation Medal. He received this for saving the life of a six-year-old at Fort Eustis, VA. On October 31, 1990, he retired from the United States Army at the rank of Master Sergeant. He settled in Fayetteville, TN, where he purchased a home for his family. Mr. Sempek was raised Catholic but lost his faith in Vietnam. He now takes solace in the Huntland Pentecostal Church.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years Sheila Ann Sempek, two sisters: Sandi (Bob) Villagomez of Cicero, IL and Becky (Jimmy) Mock of Temple, GA, his daughter Belinda Sempek (Michael) Poarch of Fayetteville, TN, his son Jason (Christi) Sempek of Fayetteville. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Asher (Megan) Nicholson of Crossville, TN, Ean Nicholson of Milford, IA, Evan Sempek, Eli Sempek, Aaron Sempek and Emily Justice, all of Fayetteville, TN, one great-grandson: James Nicholson, of Crossville, TN, four nieces: Kristen Leonard of Knoxville, TN, Carrie Leonard, of Baltimore, MD, Jamie Keaton of Temple, GA and Amber Rhoden of Fareham, England, three nephews: David Sempek of St. Joseph, MO, Eric Sempek of Oak Lawn, IL, and Keith Sempek of Cincinnati, OH.

He is preceded in passing by his parents, Edward and Elizabeth Sempek, his brother Edward (Butch) Sempek, a niece: Tana Jones, a nephew: Joshua Roden, a granddaughter: Mikquel Nicholson.

Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home with Bro. Darrel Williams officiating. Burial at Chattanooga National Cemetery will take place at a later date. Visitation will be Wednesday, from 5:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the decedent asks that donations be made to the Fayetteville/Lincoln County Animal Shelter.