Jay Richard Van Kempen

Jay was born in Bayonne, NJ, and moved to Ridgewood with his family as a teenager. His experience at Ridgewood High School and involvement in student government was formative. His memories from his times at RHS were cherished. He regaled teams that he coached in later years with the RHS cheer “We can beat ’em, well, I guess! Ridgewood High School! Yes! Yes! Yes!” and named a youth softball team after RHS and wore maroon and white uniforms. He was an active alumnus, organizing several reunions over the years.

He was equally passionate about his college alma mater, Muhlenberg College, where he was a fixture of student government and the Lambda Chi Alpha Society. After completing training in the US Army Jay served in the National Guard before beginning his teaching career.

After moving to California in 1969, Jay met his wife-to-be, Diane, also a teacher, while working on a math curriculum writing project. After the birth of their daughter, Tracey, the three moved to San Diego County where Jay spent the remainder of his career teaching in the Oceanside Unified School District at Pacifica Elementary and McAuliffe Elementary. “Mr. V”, as he was known to his students, acted as a faculty sponsor for student government, drama programs, and lunch-time sports. He was active in the Oceanside Teachers’ Association, serving as Vice President for 7 years.

After retiring from teaching, and Jay and Diane moved back to New Jersey, eventually settling back in Ridgewood. While retired, Jay published his book on teaching and learning.

Jay was predeceased by his father, Harold Richard Van Kempen, mother, Anna May Batchelor, and brother, Don. Jay is survived by his wife, Diane, and daughter, Tracey, sister, Diane, brother, Jerry, and loving niece and nephews.

Jay is the author of Construction-Cost Estimating (1983) and Learning Strategies That Work (2019).

Contributions to your local youth sports organization in his honor would be appreciated