John J. Campbell, 86, passed away September 12, 2020. He is survived by his wife of ten years, Judith Campbell, daughter Carolyn (Mike), his son Tom (Amanda), five grandchildren (Ericha, Tim, Eli, Jon and Kiana) and two great-grandsons (Samuel and Levi). Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Jan Campbell. Jack was born in Aberdeen, WA, September 26, 1933 to John and Elsie Campbell. Jack was happiest fishing and hunting with his dad all over the state of Washington. Later in life, he spent many happy hours steelhead fishing with his son Tom and closest fishing buddies. Jack graduated from Aberdeen High School and attended Grays Harbor CC. While attending community college, he drove a school bus for the local school district and was told by his supervisor that he would make a great teacher. The kids loved him and he could control them on the bus!
After earning his AA, he attended Western Washington University to earn a teaching degree in History and Music. From 1952-1960, Jack served in the Naval Reserves as a sonar technician on different destroyer vessels. During that period of time, he also began his teaching career at Snohomish High School (1956), teaching Washington State History. Jack earned his Masters Degree in 1967 from Western Washington University and began his administrative career at Olympic View Jr. High School in 1969. In 1970, Jack and Cliff Gillies began the process of opening Mariner High School. Jack and Cliff were instrumental in creating the foundational roots of the new high school. In 1982, Jack moved to Explorer Jr. High School and worked there as principal until his retirement in 1986. Jack touched the lives of many thousands of students over the course of his career. It was rare that Jack did not run into a former student who would stop him and say, “Mr. Campbell! Remember me?” and want to visit with him. His daughter Carolyn followed in his footsteps and pursued a career in education. She is currently Assistant Principal at Stanwood High School where she strives to lead with her dad’s motto “If it is not good for kids, don’t do it".
After retiring from his work in the public schools, Jack fulfilled the dream of becoming a firefighter. He began his volunteer career at the Snohomish Fire Department and was able to share that experience with his son Tom who recently retired as captain after 36 years working with multiple fire service agencies. Jack spent ten years serving Fire District #4 as a volunteer firefighter and ended his tenure as a volunteer Lieutenant. After retiring from the fire department, Jack spent many hours working in his woods with his grandsons driving the tractor, chopping down trees and splitting firewood. His grandchildren will miss his big smile, warm hugs, and evident pleasure when spending time with them.
Jack was fortunate to be married to two beautiful women who shared his love of travel. Over the course of his life, Jack was able to travel to 48 of the 50 states. He never made it to Arkansas or Hawaii, but always said, “I never lost anything there!” Whether it was backpacking, tent camping or later in his camper, Jack loved to see the country. Getting in the car, going for a drive “to see what was new” was his favorite hobby. There were not many places in Washington State that were unexplored. He used to say, “I wore out a lot of tires in my day!” In addition to his love for travel, was his love to serve. Jack was a long-time member of the Everett First Presbyterian Church and served faithfully in a variety of ways from singing in the choir to serving at the “Dinner at the Bell” meal program. Jack had many friends who cared greatly about him and the deep commitment to his faith was a blessing to all who knew him.
Jack was a gentleman in every respect. The idea of public service ran in his blood and his children were raised to give back to their community, as he did. He led by example and left a legacy that his family will carry on forever. There will not be a day that he won’t be missed.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5