James W. Kemp

James W. Kemp (born c. 1955; died September 7, 2006) was a United Methodist pastor and author from Lexington, Kentucky. He is best known for his book The Gospel According to Dr. Seuss.

Education and career Kemp grew up in Lexington and attended Duke Divinity School. He served as a minister for 15 years before retiring in 1996 due to multiple sclerosis. He became paraplegic, and his speech declined to the point where his mother took dictation for his books, and his wife interpreted for him during interviews. He said Theodor S. Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) had always been his favorite theologian, and his favorite theological book was Horton Hatches the Egg.

The "short, clever new book"

Death He died September 7, 2006, after living with multiple sclerosis for 20 years. Just before his death he told his family and friends that he wanted them to "put the fun back into funeral" for his memorial service.