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After graduation in 1916, Jim went to work in a bank at Enid, Okla., owned by his father. In those days, a beginner did other jobs besides keeping books, such as sweeping out the bank. When the U. S. A. entered World War I, Jim thought to satisfy his dream of many years, flying. But a defective ear, the same one in which he wears a hearing aid today, grounded him. Always hopeful of flying, he was kept on the ground the rest of the war, ending it as post adjutant at Clichy outside Paris.
Before joining the army, Jim had married. On his return in 1919, Mrs. Kemper was in poor health. Doctors recommended that they move to California. There Jim began what he calls an "office boy's job" with the National City Company. Two months later, he was a salesman of stocks and bonds, and happy to be strictly on his own.
Jim Kemper claims two "handicaps"! One is the magic name of Kemper, which he overcame by going away from the home town, and proving to himself and others that he didn't need help. The other is all 6 feet 5 inches of him, because he feels that people resent being looked down upon. He solves this by using low chairs when sitting, and by sitting whenever possible.
Just when the bond salesman was beginning to make good — the preceding month his commissions had been a healthy $1600— his father wired him that there was a place in the Commerce Trust Company for him. It was a difficult decision; but since he had always wanted to be a banker, Jim and his wife came home. Here,
np October, 1950
along with his regular work of greeting customers and opening accounts at the Commerce, he had the sideline of directing rescue operations at the bank in Enid, Okla., where he had originally begun. The bank was in difficulties — but young Kemper's sagacity, hard work and banking skill pulled it out.
The Commerce Trust Company of Kansas City has had a long history. In April of 1865, a group formed the Kansas City Savings Association to help foster the growth and development of Kansas City. It was the original predecessor to the present company. In 1882 the Association was re-chartered under the name of "Bank of Commerce of Kansas City, Missouri"; and during the early years of the twentieth century, the Commerce became the largest bank west of Chicago. In 1906, the Commerce Trust Company was organized. Under the vigorous leadership of its president, W. T. Kemper, it continued to grow.
The older Kemper's conception of the banking business was unique at that time. He felt that a banker did