James Willis Campbell CTRC USN, Ret.

CTRC, James Willis Campbell, USN, Ret. 89, of Chillicothe passed 3:56 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at OSU Hospital, Columbus.

He was born July 2, 1936, in Friendship, to the late John and Louise Hodge Campbell. On December 17, 1978, he married his wife, Anna, who survives.

Also surviving are children, Russell Campbell, of Greenfield and Angela (Dr. Andrew) Serpe, of Massapequa, NY; grandchildren, Grace, Kate and Lilly Serpe, Theresa (Lizzie) Martin and Kenny (Tonya) Woods; numerous great grandchildren; and many friends, including his golfing buddies, Al Harper and Randy Post. He was predeceased by sons, James and Terry Campbell; daughters, Claudia "Susie" Thompson and Cindy Martin; brother, Wilbur Campbell; sisters, Beulah Beaton and Mabel Chamblin.

On July 12, 1974, James retired from the United States Navy following 20 years of serving his country as a Cryptologist. Jim continued to serve his fellow veterans by establishing the South Central Ohio Homeless Veterans, Inc. along with his friends Ray Pryor and Dennis Simpson. The proceeds earned from operating the Forrest E. Everhart Memorial Golf Course were used exclusively to benefit veterans.

Visitation will be held at the WARE FUNERAL HOME from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026. A Military Graveside Service, conducted by the United States Navy and the Ross County Veterans Honor Guard, will follow at approximately 3 p.m. Saturday, at Twin Township Cemetery, Bourneville, OH.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Veterans In Transition, Inc. c/o Randy Post, 176 Clinton Rd., Apt. 6-D, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601.

You may sign his online register at warefh.com