Cincinnati Enquirer, OH
March 21 2004
John Kems won awards as builder of homes
He was a WWII vet
By Nicole Hamilton
The Cincinnati Enquirer
John O. Kems was an award-winning homebuilder who started the firm
Concept Homes. He also worked as a self-employed market-research
consultant, and as a prospector for uranium.
“He was larger than life, vibrant, and had an independent nature. He
was very family-oriented and always emphasized the importance of
getting a good education to his children and grandchildren. He
encouraged us to do our very best,” said his daughter, Amy Kems of
Antigua, Guatemala.
Mr. Kems died Thursday at his daughter’s home in Anderson Township of
complications from diabetes. The Union Township resident was 79.
Born John O. Kemsuzian in Detroit to Armenian parents, Mr. Kems
shortened his last name as a young adult.
He attended the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor before entering
the Navy to serve as a pharmacist mate in the Pacific Theater during
World War II.
After being honorably discharged, he returned to Michigan and
attended the University of Detroit School of Law, from which he
graduated.
Mr. Kems lived for several years in Utah and Montana as a uranium
prospector, before deciding to move to Cincinnati, considering the
city an ideal place for business ventures.
He worked as an independent market-research consultant and then, in
the mid-1970s, began Concept Homes, a home building company that won
an award in the Homebuilders Association of Cincinnati’s Homearama in
1978.
“This was quite an honor for him,” said his son, Johann Kemsuzian of
Springfield, Ohio, “to receive recognition from peers in the
business.”
Mr. Kems studied violin as a child, and enjoyed listening to
classical music and playing golf.
His wife of 38 years, Mary Anne Kems, preceded him in death in 1995.
Besides his son and daughter, other survivors include a daughter,
Caryn Franke of Mount Washington; two sons, Eric Kemsuzian of
Columbus and Matthew Kemsuzian of Medina; a brother, Dr. Harry Kems
of Waterford, Mich.; and seven grandchildren. Visitation will be 1-2
p.m. Tuesday at Mount Washington Presbyterian Church, 6474 Beechmont
Ave., Mount Washington. Memorial service will follow at the church.
The body was cremated.
Memorials can be made to the American Diabetes Association, Always
and Forever Memorial and Honor Program, Attn: ADA Web, PO Box 2680,
North Canton, OH 44720.