Emerson Jay Camblin

1/26/1922—11/21/2014

National City

Jay was born in Hastings, Nebraska where as a ROTC student in college, he was recruited to be a ground soldier during WWII. He married his life-long love, Phyllis Nadine Bortis before leaving for training at the Hasting’s airport to be a ferry pilot on Jan 28, 1942. Jay later enrolled in the Army Air Corp Program where he learned to fly B-52’s towards the end of the war. When the war ended, Jay brought his bride and first child, Karen, to San Diego, where he bought a hat shop downtown. Jay began to buy properties around San Diego and build homes and rentals. In 1950, he began working as a fire fighter for the National City Fire Department, and after a long career retired as Fire Captain. At the time of his death, Jay was the oldest living retired National City Firefighter.

Jay saw the good in people, and loved to visit with family, friends, and even perfect strangers. He earned the affectionate nickname “Captain Pump” from his fellow firefighters because he loved asking question after question trying to get to know the people around him. Jay was an honorable man who lived his life believing the world is filled with goodness and decency, and as a child of the Great Depression, he had incredible compassion for those struggling and down on their luck. Jay was famous for being thrifty and doing-it-himself….a self-taught handyman not afraid to tackle any home improvement project which would sometimes drive his beloved wife crazy, and on occasion land him in the emergency room. Way ahead of his time, he was a master of recycling, reusing, and re-purposing before it became fashionable. He enjoyed working out and keeping fit, having a great meal (especially dessert) with family and friends, playing cards, and keeping up with his properties. Jay leaves his family with a lifetime of funny stories, wonderful memories, life lessons, and above all else…so much love.

Jay is survived by his wife of 74 years, Phyllis Camblin of National City. His daughter, Karen Kay Bodge and son-in-law, Gerald Ray Bodge, son Edward Jay Camblin, and son Craig Lee Camblin, all of National City. He loved and inspired his eight grandchildren: Edward Bodge, Jernay Tremble, Ivan Bodge, Andrew Camblin, Corey Camblin, Amber Camblin, Caren Camblin, and Carol Christine “Chrissy” Camblin. and his six great-granchildren, Riley Bando, Quinn McDonagh, Clayton Camblin, Therese “Tia” Nickerson, Ryan, Justin, and Kaydee Bodge. Jay was also most proud and hopeful of the youngest generation in the family, his six great-great grandchildren Tressa “Tess” and Jay Shearer,Vigo Bando, Logan, Brielle, and Levi Nickerson