JD. Campbell

Campbell, JD.
JD. Campbell, 84 of Peoria, AZ passed away on May 5th 2015 after a short illness. JD was born in Rush Center, KS on April 14, 1931. He attended Kansas State University and after serving in the U.S. Army came to AZ in 1956. After several jobs he settled on the real estate industry. In 1968, after wanting to sell property in what would become North Peoria around the Pinnacle Peak Rd and 83rd Avenue area, JD started the Sunrise Water Company. Later, they bought an existing water company in the Wittman area. Today, Sunrise Water serves over 1500 households from 75th to 99th Avenues and from Williams Road to Happy Valley Rd and West End Water Co in Wittman serves 250 households. JD's entrepreneurial spirit helped to grow the Sunrise area. His passion for developing large lots, up to 1 Acre + where families could enjoy horses and a rural lifestyle helped created the community we know today. Along with the passion came many zoning battles with developers and city planners and Council with some battles being won and some lost. In 1974, JD married Minnesota transplant, Colleen McQuaid, and began a forty-one year marriage. The newlyweds stayed in the area and raised two Sons, Greg and Steve. In 1985, JD and Colleen built Campbell Mercantile on the corner of 91st Avenue and Pinnacle Peak Road. "The Merc" as it is known today, has become a landmark to residents and Lake Pleasant travelers. The country store facade and even the name were modeled after his mother's store in Rush Center, KS. The original Kansas store was torn down and the bricks were trucked to Peoria to be used in the new building. In 2013, the store was transformed to a restaurant. JD's real estate co, restaurant and water companies have their offices on the 2nd floor of The Merc Building. JD loved the fact that he was able to have his family work with him, he always said "I am fortunate to spend every day with my family." Over the years, The Merc became the hub of the community supporting the local kids in FFA projects. JD would go to the Arizona Livestock show and bid up the animals that the kids were showing. On occasion, the animals went home with him when the bidding didn't go the way he wanted for the sake of the kids. He sponsored many local teams and events. Anyone who came asking got a helping hand. He also helped fund the Challenge Space Center on 83rd Ave. in Peoria. Known for his business savvy and "early to rise philosophy", JD also had a soft side, which he shared with his family. He was a devoted father, loved to tend his rose bushes, buy flowers for his wife, travel to new places and play the horse races. JD. Is survived by his wife, Colleen; Son Steve (Tory) daughter Kathleen Fern (John) daughter-in-law, Coral Campbell. Grandchildren, Nicole (Mike), Jason (Elisha), Amy, Derek, Jeremiah, Jessica (Danny), Kelsey, Colton, Justin and Megan. Great-Grandchildren, Alicia, Taylor, Ashley, Sonora, Brody. Great-great-grandson Hayden. Nephew Roger (Jan), sons Tim and Chris and niece Jane. Longtime family friend Amy Kownack and her sons Cameron and Conner. JD. Is predeased by his son Greg, his brother Bob and sister June. A memorial service will be held May 17, 2015 at 5:00 P.M. at the Campbell Ranch at 23445 N. 77th Ave. Peoria Az. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be sent to support the Arizona FFA Foundation. Donations can be mailed to AZ FFA Foundation PO Box 33455 Phoenix, AZ 85067 or by visiting www.azffa.org/foundation/donate, include Campbell in the donation notes.