James Whitman Campbell

James Whitman Campbell was born on June 9, 1937, in Akron Ohio to Robert Maxwell Campbell & Lois Janet Whitman Campbell. Jim’s family came to San Diego when Jim was two. In 1940, Jim’s home included his Grandparents, Parents, Uncle Frank and brother Dennis. Jim grew up in Point Loma, Sunset Cliffs, with his father, his loving stepmother, Florence Elaine Neill Campbell and his brothers Neill and Doug Campbell. His sister Janet Lynn Collins resided in Ohio. Jim graduated from Point Loma High School in 1955 and enlisted in the United States Air Force in January of 1956, serving until 1960. His first year in the Air Force was spent in Biloxi, Mississippi. The next two years were spent at Thule Air Force Base, Greenland (North Pole), mostly underground. His was trained and specialized in Air Born Radio, Ground Approach Radar Maintenance and IFF, “Identify Friend or Foe.” His last assignment was at Castle Air Force Base, just outside of Merced, California. There, he played football and was a stand-out boxer. While in Merced, he met the love of his life, Dannie Sue Ford. Dannie, being “Miss Merced Lake,” handed him his winning trophy at a boxing event. They fell in love and were married in March of 1960 at the Point Loma Nazarene Chapel in San Diego.

Jim attended San Diego State College (now SDSU) and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing & Business Law. In addition to his studies, he played football under first-year head coach Don Coryell as tight-end. During Jim’s first year of college, he secured employment at General Dynamics Astronautics Space Systems Division. Jim worked full time and attended college at night, graduating in 1966. His daughters Jaime and Cyndi were born during this time in 1963 and 1966.

After graduation, Jim continued his education by taking graduate courses in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Contracts, Security, Wage & Salary and Leadership & Team Building. During his career, Jim worked on a multitude of projects until his retirement in May of 1996. Among the projects was the Atlas Centaur International Cruise Ballistic Missiles, Tomahawk & Advanced Cruise Missiles (both Nuclear & Stealth), and he was the production manager for the F-111 Tactical Attack Aircraft.

1n 1967, Jim purchased his home in La Mesa, California. In 1968, he became a Master Mason of S. W. Hackett Lodge #574. Jim served as Master of his Lodge in 1973. Among his accomplishments, he served as Officer’s Coach and was Chairman on many Lodge Committees: Masonic Education, Life Membership, Membership Retention and Masonic Youth, Public Schools, Constitution Observance and Grand Master’s Special Committee. Jim served as Inspector of the 493rd and 640th Masonic Districts. Jim served as Wise Master, Chapter of Rose Croix and later was promoted to Knight Commander Court of Honor. Jim served as Director of Maundy Thursday Easter Services and was the co-founder of the Al-Bahr Shrine’s Past Master’s Association, serving as President. Jim received his 33rd Degree, Honorary Inspector General in 2003. But perhaps he was the most passionate about Job’s Daughters. He supported his daughters, granddaughter and niece and many others at their meetings and activities over the many years. He never missed a meeting and encouraged fellowship between the Masonic brothers and Job’s Daughters.

Jim enjoyed being involved in his community. He served on La Mesa City Council for the Loan Commission for Real Estate Rehab, Employee Code of Ethics Committee and the Human Relations Commission. He supported the annual Martin Luther King Memorial Observance Event in January, getting

donations from the community and working the refreshment table. Jim was a life-time member and on the Executive Board of American Legion Post #282, La Mesa and attended dinners and events regularly. In Lake Morena, just outside of Campo, Jim served as President of the Lake Morena Oak Shores Water Company.

Jim’s hobbies included spending time at his cabin in Lake Morena. He loved stewarding the beautiful oak and pine trees and hosting family get togethers. He had season tickets to the Chargers games for decades and rarely missed a game. He enjoyed bowling, setting the record at Parkway Bowl for the most strikes in a row. Jim played softball his entire life. He joined the La Mesa Senior Softball League after retirement and played several times a week at Sunset Park. Jim was part of the San Diego Senior Olympic Softball League, taking his “Outback” team to the National Senior Games in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 2001, proudly returning with the National Gold Medal. He decorated Outback Steakhouse in La Mesa with portraits and medals from the team, featuring every member. Jim later served on the Board of Directors for Senior Softball and became the San Diego Senior Olympic Commissioner for 7 years. Jim was well known in the community for driving around in his cobalt blue volkswagen, even driving it in several Flag Day Parades, downtown La Mesa.

Finally, Jim was a member of Trinity Baptist Church of El Cajon, California. He attended regularly and especially loved singing the hymns. He was baptized on August 25, 2002, professing Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Jim Campbell was a loving father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He is survived by his daughters Jaime Campbell Lorenz (Steve Lorenz) and Cynthia Lynn Campbell, granddaughters Stephanie Lorenz Gofigan (Jesse Gofigan) and Katherine Robinson, great granddaughter, Kyah Robinson, sister, Janet Lynn Collins Miller, brothers Neill Campbell and Douglas Campbell (Karen Campbell), sister-in-law, Khuyen Campbell, nephew, Robert James Campbell (Shawna Campbell), nieces Brandy Campbell, Heatherlyn Campbell Lopez (Jose Lopez) and Jacquelyn Campbell Anderson (Kevin Anderson), and many great nieces and nephews. Jim passed away peacefully at his home in La Mesa where he resided for 57 years, from complications of dementia. He was surrounded by his daughters. He will be greatly missed.

A visitation will be held for Jim on Monday, October 7, 2024 from 4:00 pm-6:30 pm in the Chapel of Roses at Glen Abbey Memorial Park. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 10:00 am in the Chapel of Roses. Followed immediately by graveside services at Glen Abbey Memorial Park located at 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902.