James (Jim) Henry Gempton (b.1892) was born the middle of 3 sons - John (Jack) Gempton (b.1890) - William (Will) Joseph Gempton (b.1895), in Brixham, to John Gempton (b.1856) and Mary Sarah Stibbs Haliday (b.1856). All three boys were to learn their trade in the family's fishing business, leaving school at the age of 12 years to become apprentice fishermen aboard Brixham built Sailing Trawlers.