Obituary of James Houston Campbell

Jim was born in Rector, Missouri November 29, 1929 and passed away September 12, 2011 in Tacoma, Washington. Jim is survived by six children - Barbara Ann Pittman, Donald Scott Campbell, Linda Sue Campbell, Leroy James Campbell, Jena Beth Campbell and Robert Bruce Campbell; six grandchildren – Gary Pittman, Randi Campbell, Campbell Dodson, James Campbell II, Brianne Hickey and Robert (Bobbey) Campbell II; five great grandchildren – Kayleena Campbell, Zachary Campbell, Rachel Osborne, Rebecca Osborne and Roger Osborne; his sister, Helen Marie (Toots) Ramsey (1927); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. Jim was married to Donna Caroline Graves in Pendleton, Oregon on April 2, 1948. Donna preceded him in death in June, 1990. Also preceding him in death are his father - Charles Houston Campbell (1889-1955); mother - Ollie Ethel Smith (1891-1977); siblings - Elvin Lee (1913-1974), Hazel Mae Banks (1915-2008), Herman Dean (1917-1998), Robert Donald (1919-1965), Gladys Josephine Martin (1923-2001), Berneice Veralene Clark (1925-1986); and daughter-in-law Kathy Jo Campbell (1956-2010). When Jim was a very young man, he moved from Round Springs, Missouri to Colorado, then on to Eastern Oregon where he worked in lumber mills and in the woods. While playing guitar at a grange hall dance in Long Creek, Oregon he met and later married Donna. Jim’s work as mechanic and welder took him from Eastern Oregon to Southern Oregon, then to Alaska in the late 1960’s. Jim finished his working career in Glide, Oregon where he retired and began enjoying life wherever his 5th wheel trailer was parked and often house-sitting for dear family friends, John and Karen Livingston. During his post-retirement travelling days, one of his most reminisced about trips when he returned to Missouri for a long visit with family and was able to reconnect with childhood friends. When Jim’s health no longer allowed the vagabond lifestyle, he moved to Western Washington to be nearer to his children. Jim lived the last year of his life in an Adult Family Home in Tacoma, Washington where he was treated like a king by John and Gloria Kelly, other caretakers and residents. Jim’s family cannot adequately express the gratitude felt toward John and Gloria for allowing Jim to remain in their home and continuing to care for him (and the family) for his last days on this earth. Jim loved family gatherings, and just a few weeks before enjoyed the day at his daughter, Linda’s home with many family members and friends with him. Barbara’s frequent visits, always with fresh strawberries, blueberries, watermelon or some other tasty treat in tow, were always eagerly awaited. Scott often made himself available to transport Jim to and from dialysis, even during treacherous driving conditions due to bad weather, and to help him adjust to his special dialysis diet with delicious protein smoothies. Jim was appreciative when Rob was available during times of weakness to lend a strong and steady hand when it was needed most. Second only to family time was Jim’s love of fishing and hunting which originated from his early years growing up around (and in) the Current River in Missouri. He always looked forward to time in hunting camp with his cousins where he could replenish his never ending supply of funny stories to tell. When he and Donna moved to Southeast Alaska, he enjoyed his ultimate happiness with the abundance of harvest available from the land and sea, and especially when boating around Clarence Straights in his Boston Whaler. In his last years when hunting or fishing was not an option, he still enjoyed feasting on seafood and his most cherished and always anticipated event was when his son, Leroy would take him out for All-You-Can-Eat shrimp. When Jena recently helped to organize and prepare planked salmon and halibut for Jim and all the residents of his home, Jim was happy to share the feast with his friends. Many have enjoyed Jim’s guitar playing and singing over the years, especially young children who would swarm to him like he was the Pied Piper. Many listened to him tune up for Darkie’s Tickle, then retune for Spanish Fandango, then whenever Rob was around to sing with him…Old Shep. Some had special treat of listening to Jim play with his cousin Denton Cox, who originally taught Jim to play. And a most cherished memory is when Donna would harmonize along with Jim. While the guitar was his preferred instrument, Jim could play many, and in later years worked to master the fiddle as has been a Campbell Family tradition. Jim touched many people throughout his life and may his legacy of the love of unrestrained laughter be carried on. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial 253-566-1008.