James Thompson Campbell

James Thompson Campbell

James Thompson Campbell, 71, of Charlottesville, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 9, 2011, at his home surrounded by his family.

Jim was born in Marietta, Ohio in 1940, to the late Clyde Watson Campbell and Mabel Marie Campbell. He was also predeceased by his Stepmother, Ivah "Teacher" Campbell"; his sister, Joan Campbell Butler and brother-in-law, Philip Butler of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania; and his sister-in-law, Gini Campbell of Aiea, Hawaii. He is survived by his loving wife of over 38 years, Kathy Campbell, along with their children, Hillary Campbell and her fiance, Loren Oppenheimer, of Batesville, Timothy Campbell and his wife, Lindsay, of Charlottesville and his beloved grandson, Simon James Campbell, who provided so much light and joy during Jim's journey.

Jim is also survived by his brother, Clyde William Campbell of Aiea, Hawaii; his sister, Marilynn Campbell Lindamood of Westerville, Ohio. In addition, he is survived by his nieces, Judith Butler, Madeline Leslie, Cristine Rathyen; and nephews Kim Campbell and John Lindamood. Jim attended Marietta High School in Marietta, Ohio, and then transferred and graduated from Parkersburg High School in Parkersburg, West Virginia, in 1958. He then served in the United States Navy from 1958 until 1961 before returning and attending Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1965. Jim was a member of the Marietta Presbyterian Church, in Marietta, Ohio but was a long time, regular attendee of the Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville.

Just out of college, Jim joined Porsche of America in Columbus, Ohio, with transfers to Chicago and New Jersey. He then became the Sales Manager for the East Coast Porsche Audi Division of Volkswagen and moved to Maryland where he and Kathy met.

His ambition and love of the outdoors took him to Blue Ridge Mountain Sports where he was a co-owner, Vice President and President. The company was expanding so Jim and Kathy went to Greensboro, North Carolina, and then to Knoxville, Tennessee, to open new stores. They then came to Charlottesville where the corporate offices were located. When Jim decided to move on, he joined Kathy in her retail business, The Crystal Connection. They worked together and were co-owners for almost 25 years.

Jim had a great love for the outdoors and was an active participant in many activities such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, winter mountaineering, motorcycling, canoeing, kayaking, fly fishing and golf. Even with all of his interests, his first priority was always to his family. He passed along this love of the outdoors to both of his children. Jim was dedicated to his volunteer work for several years with the Thomas Jefferson Branch of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.

In lieu of flowers, it was Jim's wish that donations be made to the Food Bank here in Charlottesville. Their address is P.O. Box 6415, Charlottesville, VA 22906.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the Hospice of the Piedmont, especially to Jim's nurse, Patsy Lambert. Appreciation also goes out to The Hope Group at Martha Jefferson Hospital. Dr. Gorsch and his staff provided exceptional care to Jim and his family.

A memorial service will be held in Jim's honor, 2 p.m. Saturday, September 17, 2011, at the Teague Funeral Home. A reception with the family will follow at Teague.

Friends may sign the guest register at teaguefuneralhome.com.



This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.