Jerry Campbell Obituary
Jerry was born on December 24, 1941, in Underwood, Indiana. In 1952, he moved with his parents, John and Edna, and his brother Ronald to Tampa, Florida-a city that would become his lifelong home and the place where he would leave a lasting legacy.
A proud graduate of H.B. Plant High School in 1960, Jerry was an active member of the Key Club and a talented athlete. He played on two State-Finalist Basketball teams for Plant High School in 1959 and 1960, achievements that reflected both his dedication and team spirit.
Following high school, Jerry answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. His exemplary service earned him a Top Secret clearance and a prestigious posting at Camp David. He served with honor for five years during the administrations of Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson.
After completing his military service, Jerry worked for Pan American Airlines in the Grand Turk Islands before returning to Tampa to begin a distinguished career with the Tampa Fire Department in 1967. Over the next 26 years, he served the citizens of Tampa with unwavering commitment and courage. In recognition of his exceptional service, he was named "Firefighter of the Year" in 1992-a testament to his bravery and dedication to public safety. He retired from the department in 1993.
Jerry's life was marked by devotion-to his family, his community, and his country. He is survived by his beloved wife Loretta S. Campbell; his son Jeffrey W. Campbell and daughter-in-law Alexis H. Campbell; and two cherished granddaughters, Alexandra D. Campbell and Gabriella L. Campbell.
He was preceded in death by his father John, mother Edna, brother Ronald, and stepfather Wylie.
Mr. Jerry Lee "Butch" Campbell's life was one of service and strength-his memory will live on in those who knew him and in the city he helped protect for so many years. May his legacy continue to inspire all who follow in his footsteps. A Funeral will be held on October 2, 2025, from 05:30 PM to 06:30 PM at St. Lawrence 5225 N. Himes Ave. A Memorial Service will be held on October 4, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 02:00 PM at Tampa Fire Museum 720 E. Zack St.
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Gene and Tricia Swiger
September 26, 2025
We've been friends with Loretta and Butch for many years.
Butch's fun and loving spirit was a joy. He was honest, down to earth and sincerely a true friend. Gene says he will always treasure the times he spent with him. His memories including his amazing personal stories are a treasure to both of us.
Butch, you will be missed.
Tricia & Gene Swiger
Pamela W Hawley
September 26, 2025
SO MANY MEMORIES. From our teen years Jerry was one of the kindest funny.
I can't say one of the but Was and through the years never changed. His soul will always be in hearts of those who knew him and loved him. So thankful to Loretta and Jeff for letting me visit him afew weeks before. Rest Peacefully "SEE Ya" soon. Always Pam
Michael Hunt
September 21, 2025
I remember when Butch and Loretta built their home next door on the empty lot that used to serve as our neighborhood football and baseball field (occasionally serving as model airplane runway and rocket launch site too). Butch and Loretta were a wonderful complement to the expanding presence of the Allen/Stoltenberg family on Northrop Terrace. With Joan across the street and their parents in Rene's former house.
In the later years, long after I moved away to Lutz, Butch would occasionally still mow my mom's yard and bring in her trash cans. He or Loretta would flag me down when I visited my mom and they would reminisce on the past as well as keep me up to date on what was going on in the neighborhood.
I will miss talking and joking around with Butch, he was definitely one of a kind. I had a great time growing up on Northrop Terrace and having a good neighbor like Butch was an important part of it.
Ron Barksdale
September 20, 2025
Condolences to all his family and friends. Jerry and my step-brother Jerry were great friends and also played basketball together while in JH and HS.
Remembering the good times at our lunches on Boliche Blvd and at Dennis Luneburg's Annual Columbia Restaurant get-together !!
RIP Jerry...
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Richard Salario
September 19, 2025
Faye and Rick Lopez
September 19, 2025
Loretta, we are so saddened by the loss of Butch for you and your family...always keep God within your heart as he will get you through your loss until you are rejoined again...he will give you the strength to fulfill your days with loving memories of your life together with Butch and now on your own. With heartfelt condolences Faye and Rick Lopez
Susan Demas
September 19, 2025
I first knew Jerry in Junior high school as he was a year ahead of me! I had a crush on him for a while but he was always so sweet cute and nice! My condolences go out to his family who I know were so proud of him! Love Susan Atkins Demas
Dave Frix
September 19, 2025
We had a lot of good times together growing up. Going to the beach, playing basketball together, going to parties. We were about as close as you could get without being brothers. One thing I have always remembered about you, when my father died, out of all my friends, you were the only one that came to his funeral, that meant an awful lot to me. It was really great to see you after many years when I finally was able to attend some class reunions, I wish it had been more.
RIP my friend, you will be missed by many.
Dave Frix
Debra Ann Ferguson
September 18, 2025
My Uncle Butch was a very nice man to me. Going down memory lane, he helped build my horse stall and we enjoyed times at lake keystone. He used to bush hog on one of my dad´s properties and found a family of cougars living there. I will miss you, rest in peace Uncle Butch.
With deepest sympathy
Debbie Ferguson/Stoltenberg
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