John Edward Campbell

August 6, 1920 – July 14, 2021

• Pearl Harbor Survivor

• World War II Fighter Pilot

• Korean War Helicopter Pilot

• ABC Television Executive

• Business Entrepreneur

John Edward Campbell was born, as he often said, “at a very young age” in Porterville, California. John was the 3rd of 5 sons born to John Carl Campbell and Inez Briggs Donahoe. After graduating from Porterville High School, with jobs hard to come by during the Great Depression, John enlisted in the Marines at the age of 18. Early in his military career he was one of many young service men to be stationed on Pearl Harbor on that fateful December 7, 1941. After that memorable day, John went on to become a fighter pilot for the duration of WWII. After the war, Captain John Campbell dated “a very attractive” WAVE that he met while in Jacksonville, Florida attending flight school. Their first date was at Silver Springs in Ocala, Florida (a water park he would later own). Her name was Aline Elizabeth Dennison - Denny. John and Denny were blessed with their daughter, Judy, on September 12, 1946. Years later, during the Korean War, John was recalled to active duty, this time serving as a helicopter pilot.

After his military service was complete, John began work as a salesman for Rexall Drug. Later, one of his military contacts told John about an opportunity at a new television station called ABC – the American Broadcasting Company. ABC boasted a whopping 5 corporate owned stations at that time. John started in advertising sales, then station management, eventually working his way into the role of President of ABC Owned and Operated Stations. In 1970, John left ABC and accepted the role as Vice President of SeaWorld, San Diego. After great success growing Sea World to the national spotlight, ABC’s new President and good friend, Elton Rule, enticed John to become President of ABC Leisure division that included Silver Springs and Weeki Wachee. His first hire was Tom Cavanaugh. Together they made that division of ABC soar. In 1985, after many years of success, John decided to retire.

John enjoyed entertaining, drinking a cold Budweiser beer, and telling the incredible stories about his life. His generosity is legendary and his sense of humor will be greatly missed. John was predeceased by his wife Aline “Denny” Campbell and daughter Judy Campbell. John is survived by several nieces and nephews, as well as his longtime companion Gunilla Giegerich.

A Celebration of Life will be held on what would have been John’s 101st birthday, Friday, August 6, 2021 at 2p.m. El Camino Memorial Park Chapel, with a reception immediately following on the Event Lawn. Please visit the online guest book to share a memory of John.