Jack left his mortal body on Feb 17, 2010 and is survived by his wife, Mary Campbell, son and daughter-in-law, Don and Ermin Campbell and family; daughter and son-in-law, Randy Rutman and Laura Campbell Rutman and family; and 5 grandchildren: Selena Campbell; Kyle, Jocelyn, Natalie, and Ryan Rutman; brothers Thomas Campbell and Victor Campbell.
John (Jack) Samuel Campbell was born on Dec. 21, 1923 in Hannibal, Missouri where he was raised and attended school. He graduated from McCooey High School in 1940 at age 17. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps to serve his country during World War II as a "Belly Gunner" in the Ball Turret of a B-24 aircraft. He was stationed in Italy and fought in the European theater.
Upon completion of his military service, Jack continue his college education at Quincy College, Quincy, Illinois, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. This was his profession for the past 60 years.
In 1959, Jack and his wife, Mary moved to San Clemente, Ca. Through his service with San Clemente Stage Lines, Jack became the Transportation Co-ordinator for the White House Press Corp during President Richard Nixon's visits to the Western White House in San Clemente, Ca. In 1975, Jack moved his family to San Juan Capistrano, their new home. Jack continued to serve his Country and his Community. Prior to his retirement in 2006, he served in the Business Department of Saddleback Valley Christian School in his adopted hometown of San Juan Capistrano, Ca.
His other outstanding civic contributions, nationally and locally, include:
* 2006 Bronze Award from President George Bush for over 4000 hours of volunteer service;
* The President's Council and Volunteer Service Award;
* The Department of Defense U.S. Volunteers;
* A Founding Member of the American Cold War Veterans;
* American Legion, Post 721 of San Juan Capistrano;
* VFW, Post 3801 of San Juan Capistrano;
* U.S. Freedom Committee;
* Homefront America;
* Local FEMA and CERT volunteer;
* San Juan Police Services Volunteer ASAP;
* U.S. Re-enactors Historical Organization;
* San Juan Cappistrano Fiesta Association;
* San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce;
* San Juan Capistrano Playhouse;
San Juan Capistrano Friday Morning Coffee Chat
and many more.
Jack left his mortal body on Feb 17, 2010 and is survived by his wife, Mary Campbell, son, Don Campbell and family; and daughter, Laura Campbell Rutman and family; and 5 grandchildren: Selena Campbell; Kyle, Jocelyn, Natalie, and Ryan Rutman; brothers Thomas Campbell and Victor Campbell.
A Memorial Luncheon will immediately follow the service at San Juan Community Center 25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano, Ca
Zach Owens
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of such a good man. May God watch over Mary, Vick, Tom, and Jack's other family in their time of need.
Esther (Singapore)
Dear Mary and Don&Ermin,
Even though, I have seen Jack only less than one week during my stay with your family, I will never forget his great love for Mary, his family and grandchildren and he is indeed a wonderful father with a gentle heart and dearest grandfather to your family. I did notice that Jack never tired of talking to anyone who visited to him.
Holding you close in thought and prayer as you walk through this time and missing you all.
God bless you all!
Victor O.Campbell
I am Jack's youngest brother, and have so many vivid memories of Jack; and am so very proud of him for all his life accomplishments. I definitely feel that he was the most patriotic person that I have ever known, and I will sincerely miss our phone calls.
My sympathy goes out to Mary, Donald and Family, and Laura and family.
Vick
Ermin Campbell
Dear Jack,
Thank you for being part of my life. I know you are with Him now, no more sorrow or pain. You will hear again my special song that I sang at your last night I saw you, that is one of the angel's favorite song in heaven. I know that you never miss my food anymore, because there are much much better food in heaven, but let you know that I MISS TO COOK FOR YOU JACK...and I want to tell you that I am not in a good mood to cook....I hope you believe me Jack.
I love you just the way you are, and you always be in my heart.
Good bye Jack,
I love you always,
Ermin Campbell
COL. PHAN TRUNG CHANH (USAVR)
To: The Family of B.Gen Jack Campbell (USAVR)
We are very sad to hear your loss.
Please accept our sympathy and condolences.
COL. PHAN TRUNG CHANH (USAVR)
And All Members in Virginia
31st BRIGADE, 3d R.C.
Cheryl Burns
In the few years I knew Jack it was apparent he was a good man and strong patriot. I am happy he will be watching over us.
Mike & Sherry Rager
Mary & family,
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband and father. He was involved in so many wonderful organizations. We're sure he will be truly missed.
God Bless You!
BTN-1 & 2, 10th Regional Cmd, USV-JSC
To the family of B.Gen. JACK CAMPELL (USAVR), Former Chief of Chaplains, U.S. Volunteers-Joint Services Command
We are thinking of you and send our deepest condolences and sympathy.
You Are In Our Thoughts And Prayers.
1st BTN & 2nd BTN, 101st BCT, 10th Regional Command
Seattle/Tacoma, Washington
LTC Nguyen Hong Son, MAJ Phan Rang,
WO1 Pham Nhu Y and all members.
Marilyn Mulligan
Jack was always so sweet and helpful to all of us at SVCS!! He will be so missed down here, though Heaven is rejoicing that he's Home now!!
LTC Mark Vo (USAVR)
We were so saddened to hear of USAVR General Campbel’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
LTC Mark Vo & All Members
USAVR, USV-JSC
4th Regional Command
MAJ Manh Nguyen (USAVR) - Philadelphia
We are all so sorry for your loss. General Jack Campbell (USAVR) was so special to all of us and we will sorely miss him.
COL Maring Thach & all members of the Special Task Force Command - Philadelphia, USV-JSC
The Haezer family
Dear Mary and family,
We really sorry for your loss.
Jack is really a special person for us. He has touched so many people in his life time.He has done so much for us. He has servant heart. He is a very humble man. He will be missed for many and specially for us.
He has gone before us,but his legacy will be last for a lifetime.
Love,
The Haezer family
Col. Linda Sykes - USVJSC Team 35
Jack will be so missed. I send to his family my heartfelt condolences. He was a great man.
As on of the first members of Team 35 Over 9 years ago we provided final honors for our veterans. He saw the need to honor each and every one in a dignified manner. He was my partner as we were the shortest in the group, so they always paired us together.
Jack, I will always remember our cutting up during practice sessions, parades and our lunches. You are one of the finest men I ever knew. Your family will stand proud because of how good you were to people, community and your love for our country.
Barbara Shaw
Dear Family,
These are some words that come to mind when I think of Jack:
Heroic
Dutiful
Dedicated
Accountable
Caring
Sweet
Admirable
Friendly
Patriotic
Inspirational
I appreciate and respect him greatly. I had always seen Jack around town at different events, and formerly met him at our SVCS campus about 9 years ago. We are blessed to have a photograph of Jack in his uniform with our youngest son--just like this great photo!
I believe Jack to be a person who never stopped finding joy in life.
He will always be the man with the heart, the concern and the engaging smile.
Most sincerely,
Barbara Shaw
COL Mark Nguyen (USAVR), U.S. Volunteers-Joint Services Command
Brigadier General Jack Campbell (USAVR) and I had a wonderful memory going back to the year 2004 at the Patriotic Hall, Los Angeles when I joined the United States Volunteers-Joint Services Command. Jack cheerfully greeted me with his warm welcome and a big smile as I was the youngest volunteer while he was the oldest at the USV National Headquarters. Since then Jack and I met again and again not only every month at Riverside National Cemetery to honor those who served but also at the NHQ events through out the years. Jack is remembered as a proud World War II veteran, a great US volunteer and a gentleman. Jack is gone but never forgotten!
Tina Damon
When I considered volunteering at the Camino Real playhouse I was told to mention the name Jack Campbell. Jack, I'd like to let you know I was received with big smiles but I was hoping for a cookie at the concession.
The first time I met you, I remember the wit - which for me, always build instant connection. The sack lunch at the wedding reception was as equally good as the PBJ I thought of serving at Board of Directors meetings. What do you think they're having at your memorial reception?
I know what a great man you are _ and I will always treasure knowing a big shot like you and just being able to kid around. Won't drink another Beringer white zin without thinking of you. Love you.
Clarence & Shirley Denkler
Dear Mary & family,
Please accept of heartfelt condolences.
Our memories go back to the beginning of shared school days & growing relationships 1950s-60.
Jack was a kind,gentle person and always with a warm smile. His spirit will live on in all he has accomplished & all whose life he has touched. He was indeed a "quiet gaint".
Love & prayers.
Diane Escobar and family
Dear Family,
I remember Jack as a loving grandpa, proud and honorable veteran, and a diligent, kind co- worker at SVCS. I always enjoyed seeing him in his uniform on Veterans' Day visits to the school and in my classroom interacting with his grandchildren whom he adored.When I needed some help from the accounting department, Jack always graciously and promptly took care of things.I treasure the time he went on our class field trip, and on the way there and back he shared with us tales of his life, his family, and San Juan Capistrano. He will be missed but I have no doubt of where he is. God bless you Jack, Mary, and family.
Love, The Escobar Family (SVCS)
Bruce whitehead
My memories of Jack during our days in the late 40s and early 50s at Quincy College are filled with his warm, friendly, thoughtful and humorous personality. It has been 60 years since we last saw each other, but we have communicated regularly during the past five or six years, thanks mostly to the Internet. Mary, I thank you for alerting me when Jack had his stoke and heart attack. That was very thoughtful. During this difficult time, please accept the heart felt condolences of Bruce and Maria Whitehead in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Thomas W. Campbell
as his older brother,I was proud of his service and dedication to community service. He was always there to lend a hand. Will miss you. Tom
Dee White, F&M Bank
It seemed that every event I attended, Jack was there, cheerfully volunteering. He was an outstanding example of the true spirit of citizenship. We at F&M were honored to know Jack. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mary, and your family in this time of loss.
Dr. and Mrs. Hugh Claggett
Dear Mary and family, We were shocked to hear that Jack had passed away. We still have many fond memories of him during our time at Quincy College. I (Dorothy) also remember him at Hannibal LaGrange College. I (Hugh) finished my pre-dental requirements in a year at Quincy College--Jack was the chaffeur for all of the students who lived in Hannibal who daily commuted to classes at Quincy College. Please accept our deepest, heartfelt sympathy.
Dr. Hugh and Mrs. Dorothy Claggett
24 Hillcrest Drive
Hannibal, MO 63401-3624
Pablo Saldana
God bless you Jack.Thanks for help me with my kids while I study with Mary,You will live always in our hearts.Amen..........
Teri Maude
Aunt Mary,
You and Uncle Jack were there when I needed you and I thank you for that. I know the pain you feel at his loss, and will keep you in my prayers.
Camino Real Playhouse
Take a Bow from us, Jack Campbell
Jack has been a friend and ready volunteer at the theatre for many years. For the last several years he has been our wine master for gala openings – Jack loved to tease us by saying “It’s like letting the fox guard the hen-house.” Jack, who was always here early to set up, was competitive about the wine bar responsibility and made sure he set and maintained the record sales. We called him once when we had an emergency need for a volunteer. He never told us he was in Riverside – he just said, “Sure, I can help,” and he was here, on time, cheerfully serving. There was never a kinder soul to set foot in the Playhouse.
In later years when it became too difficult for him to walk the Swallows Parade route with his fellow veterans proudly wearing his World War II uniform that still fit perfectly we were honored when he chose to ride on our Playhouse float along with our Melodrama Cast!
His civic activities covered almost all the organizations in town and we like to think that the Camino Real Playhouse was his favorite. He was certainly our favorite. We bow to you, Jack Campbell! Your spirit will be with us always.
Terry and Maria Brown
We will remember Jack for alwalys having a cheerful and kind greeting when visiting the Campbell home and for his sense of humor. We are sorry for his loss and our prayers are for your family in this difficult time. Jack will be missed by all who knew him. May God Bless your family and give you his peace.
Kevin and Sarah Nangin
Dear Mary,
We'd like to say how very sorry we are for your loss. It's our prayer that God will be especially close to you at this time.
With love from our family,
Kevin, Sarah, Logan and Eva
Brian & Mahassin Weaver
To Mary and all of the Campbell family we are so sorry for your loss. Jack was a geat man and obviously impacted many people in a meaningful way. We will see him again someday. God Blessed your family with a man like Jack. God Bless you all from Brian, Mahassin and the entire Weaver family.
Jack R. Hammett, WO, USN (Ret.)
Jack has been an important member of the Freedom Committee of Orange County and has devoted many, many hours of his time bringing "Living History" into the classrooms of Orange and Riverside counties. His appearances at military activites reflected his patriotic enthusiasm and his recounting of his military experiencs will long be remembered by young people to whom he has spoken.
CDR Willis E. (Bill) Hardy U.S.Navy (Retired) NC
Jack was one of those heroic Belly Gunners who rode through the heaviest Anti-aircraft Defenses in the world. They deserve medals more than us Fighter pilots, with our six (6) fifties and the ability to fly where ever it was most expedient. He should also be remembered for his later services to Veterans and to School Children. Personally, I am indebted to him for driving me after I became this old one-eyed sailor.
Dave & Kathy Oneslager
He's the only I knew of that could find humor in a situation no matter how bad it was. He was a person that really cared about those around him. I'll miss that big smile and that quick wit humor.God blees you Jack.
we love you and miss you
Dave & Kathy Oneslager
Matt Gaffney
I remember Jack & Mary from when they first started going to Mass at Serra Chapel when I
was a little kid. He & my Dad were in Stella Maris Council Knights of Columbus together. I got reaquainted with Jack around Capo through the VFW & American Legion. He was a fine Catholic Gentleman & he's in heaven right now having a cold one with my Dad & the rest of the Capo Veterans.
Vaya Con Dios,
Matt Gaffney
