HAMPDEN – James A. Campbell, 79, passed away peacefully Sept. 14, 2011, at his home. James was born March 1, 1932, in Houlton, son of the late Leigh W. and Glenice S. (Estabrook) Campbell.
James was educated in Hampden and was a 1949 graduate of Hampden Academy. He then served his country in the U.S. Air Force. James was stationed at Dow Air Force base during the Cold War. On Jan. 24, 1963, he took part in a rescue mission when a B-52 out of Westover Air force Base in Massachusetts crashed during a training mission on Elephant Mountain in Greenville. Thirty years later he took part in returning to the crash site to commemorate the nine-crew members that died on that flight. Jim will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend.
Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara A. Campbell of Hampden; children, Frank and wife, Melissa, of Hampden, Randy and wife, Ellen, of East Corinth, and Jeffery and wife, Carmen, of North Carolina; brother, Merle and wife, Jan, of Old Town; sister, Elna and Jerry Campbell-Wade of Bangor; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by his son, Thomas Campbell, Nov. 1, 2010. His son, Frank, acknowledges the special bond his dad had with his wife, Melissa. She truly exemplifies the meaning of a caring and loving person.
In keeping with Jim’s wishes, interment will be private at Nealley’s Corner Cemetery, Hampden. Memorial contributions in Jim’s honor may be made to Phoenix Industries, 444 Stillwater Ave., Suite 100, Bangor, ME 04401, an organization that afforded Tommy many opportunities. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden.