Jordan Edward Campbell

Jordan Edward Campbell, 21, of Marengo, passed away on November 20, 2017. He was born April 18, 1996 in Elgin, the son of Scott and Kellie (Edgington) Campbell. Unbeknownst to any, he would prove to be an enchanting combination of rebellion and tenderness.

He loved playing ball. Basketball, football, baseball, volleyball, bocci ball. Just kidding - but really though he had a knack for basketball and football that likely started from birth and you could often find him rounding up his brother and a group of friends to duke it out on the court or on the field. His soaring height and gladiator build made him a natural at these endurance sports. When he wasn’t dunking or knocking cats out - he was cheering on his favorite teams the Detroit Lions and the OKC Thunder (Thunder up!). Sports taught him what passion is and once he figured this out - this initial seed grew and branched off into new terrains.

He discovered a sanctuary nestled in the lyrics of the hip hop artists he grew to respect and idolize, especially his ultimate favorite: Tupac Shakur. He also on occasion would effortlessly lay down some bars himself. He used sketching and writing to release the wealth of creativity that lived within him. He was an artist of many mediums all of which provided him with his little joys in life - each in their own way. Music, writing, and drawing bestowed upon him the life lessons of determination and diligence.

These facets of his artistry naturally transcended into other avenues of his life. Some simple, such as going fishing. The practice it takes to throw a line. The patience it takes to wait for the bite. The finesse required to bring in the catch so as not to snap the fragile connection. Some more complex, such as his unwavering work ethic. The reflection it takes to establish a goal or to dream a dream. The execution of actions to obtain the bounty. The perseverance to hold steadfast when unexpected hurdles arise. When he was younger, he wanted to do everything his big brother could do and more recently he set his sights on his dream car. He eventually met his brother in every skill and held the keys to that car in his hands.

This is the legacy Jordan leaves. A passionate young man with a rambunctious spirit contained within the edifice of a charming boyish shyness. Truly a goof ball through and through - generating laughs of the infectious kind. With empathetic eyes, a captivating smile, and a wild heart he left his imprint on this world.

The years we will live are finite but the ways he touched the lives of others have no discrete endpoint. It will take a lifetime to reflect on these blessings and it is this that defines a life well lived.

Jordan is survived by his parents Scott and Kellie; his brothers Corey (Alyssa), Scottie, Josh, Timmy and Dakota. He also leaves his maternal grandparents, Richard (Barb) and Marsha, his paternal grandparents, Don (Kathy) and Donna (Don), and his maternal great grandmother, June. He is also survived by his aunts, Alicia, Ann (Rich), Gina, Heather, and Terri, his uncles, Brian, Donnie (Darlene), Jeremy (MiJin), and Paul, his nieces and nephews, Aubriella, Austin, Aria, Brayden, and Kylee, and several cousins and close friends including his dog Max.

Visitation 4 until 7 p.m., November 28, 2017, at Zion United Methodist Church, 157 W. Jefferson Avenue, Hampshire. Funeral service to follow, 7 p.m. at the church.