James Raymond Campbell born November 11, 1946 to Raymond J. and Juanita J. Campbell in Springfield, Missouri. To this union, a daughter had been previously born, Treesa J. Campbell (Gannon).
Jimmy attended Bisset grade school for 6 years, moving on to attend Study for one year and Pipkin for one year. During these years, he participated in roller figure and speed skating competitions at Doling Park as Jimmy Campbell. He skated pairs with Linda Graber and, along with her, in fours competition with Ted Hall, Verna June Forsyth, Gracie Forsyth and Cindy Johnson in successive years.
Jim attended Central High School where he established no big deals except for chasing girls and cars. He graduated in 1964.
He attended Southwest Missouri State University for one year, but was then drafted and spent two years serving in the US Army, stationed in Germany.
Upon release from the Army, he went to work as an apprentice electrician for IBEW Local 453, joining the union in January of 1970. He served on many committees (Health and Welfare Committee, Vacation Committee, Negotiation Committee and the Apprenticeship Committee).
In March of 1970, Jim married Brenda Gaston Thompson, to this union, a son was born, James (Jamie) Allen Campbell.
On January 1, 1983, Jim married Klova Swan Davis. To this union, a daughter was born, Sarah Whitney Jane Campbell Stanfield. The united family included Klova’s two sons from her previous marriage, William Brent Davis and Brandon Tyce Davis.
While being employed by various companies in the area in his career, he spent the last 20 years of that time working for Lamons Electric Company (owners Bob Stall, Tom Moore and Noreen Osborn).
Each of his kids got the cars that they desired. Brent a 1980 Z28 Camaro, Jamie a 1967 Pontiac GTO (like his father had dated his mother in), Tyce a 1966 Malibu Chevelle and Sarah a 1991 Pontiac Firebird.
Getting the cars for the three boys created a desire to embark on the hobby of restoring classic cars, specifically Pontiac GTOs, which he did several restorations of over the years. The first Saturday of every April would find him at the Cruise In at the Glenstone Steak ‘n’ Shake, in his spot, putting down the top. The last restoration he completed, was a frame off of a 1965 Pontiac GTO, which won two Gold Awards at the Pontiac Nationals car show. His intent was for it to be shown at the Mother of All Reunions, for the classes of 1960-1969.
Jim joined the Greater Ozarks chapter of the Pontiac Oakland Club International (GO-POCI) in 1991, serving as President for four years (2011-2015) and also worked in preparing the newsletter for the club.
Due to the many good works of the Ozarks Antique Auto Club (OAAC), Jim applied and joined that club and helped with their swap meet for several years.
He is survived by his sister, Treesa, son Jamie (wife Heidi Campbell), daughter Sarah (husband Brian Stanfield), step-son Brent (wife Jennifer Davis), step-son Tyce, grandchildren Alexander Campbell, Raya Campbell, Cassandra Davis, Samuel Davis, Sophia Davis, Olivia Davis, Natalie Davis, and David Stoecker Jr., nephews Keith Gannon (wife Kenna) and Robin Gannon (wife Joanne) a multitude of cousins and other relativies as well as a host of friends. He also leaves behind his faithful fuzzy companion, Simba.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Klova and a grandson, Sean Campbell.
He leaves behind a family that loved and adored him and who will miss him greatly.
He enjoyed life to the fullest extent, pursuing his passions, and wanted others to do the same.
“WOW, WHAT A RIDE!”
Graveside services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 26, 2017, at Brookline Cemetery. Visitation will be from Noon to 1:00 p.m. in Greenlawn Funeral Home North. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Central High School Kilties.