James Robert Campbell

James Robert Campbell died Saturday, October 18, 2014, evening at home surrounded and embraced by family. He was the cornerstone of strength in the foundation of a beautiful family. He had an increasingly rare combination of strong character, humble demeanor and core values that exemplify what it means to be a "good man". The unique features making up this man were forged in the furnace of a difficult childhood at a time when the lines between right and wrong were crystal clear and people believed in family, friends, community and something bigger than themselves. He was born in the midst of the great depression on Flag Day in 1930. It was a time when there were no social safety nets and many of the common comforts we consider a necessity today were only considered a luxury and distant dream. Like many of his surrounding neighbors in Charleston West Virginia his parents were struggling to put food on the table. Unfortunately, his father suffered a brain hemorrhage a few weeks before he was born. He was the only son in the family and quickly learned the value of hard work often telling stories of delivering newspapers at 4 o'clock in the morning during elementary school. He did multiple jobs to help his mother make ends meet. His childhood did not have television, Internet, iPods, iPhones, air-conditioning, closets full of clothes, etc. He learned firsthand that sacrifice, hard work and resolve coupled with a focus on making a contribution to society as well as giving to others is what really matters. While we may never see the world in similar focus, because we lack the lens of these life experiences, we are all better off having known him. Like many of the men in his generation, he did not blame the country for his childhood challenges. In fact, he was a true patriot and volunteered to join the Air Force later becoming a decorated veteran of the Korean War. He also was proud to be a Charlestonian and West Virginian. He had an astounding knowledgebase related to West Virginia history and knew the destination of nearly every back road, and highway throughout the Mountain State. Most outside the family knew Jim as a brilliant engineer who worked his way up to a leadership role in the West Virginia Department of Highways. Later his expertise was called upon by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in response to natural disasters all over the US including US territories like American Samoa. He was also a pillar in his church dropping everything to be there for any of the church members or family in crisis. Indeed, when he met Betty (his wife) and subsequently married in 1972 his focus on hunting, fishing, golfing and the overall man's man persona quickly shifted to the focus of family. He loved his wife with all his heart and frequently walked in the door with a handful of roses, the most recent time a couple weeks before he got sick. He was so proud of his two twin sons (James and John) who later became respected physicians in the community. One of his major passions was his engineering school alma mater, West Virginia University. He never missed watching or listening to WVU basketball or football games. He was a selfless man who dedicated his life to his family and those around him. During his final days he reminded us that the most important legacy we could ever leave in our lives is through the investment we make in our family. Through his life he held true to this axiom and imprinted his core values on all the young people in the family even going out of his way to do so for an ever-growing extended family. He opened his home to several family members and extended family through the years and each time, weather they stayed for weeks or years, they felt embraced and at home. His sense of humor, kindness, compassion and dedication to family will be missed. His parents; Gladys Hanshaw Taylor, Cameron Bernard Campbell and stepfather William Taylor; sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Joe Halstead, and his sister Karen Taylor preceded Jim in death. He is survived by his wife Betty Erwin Campbell, his sister and brother-in-law Betty and Robert Kinder as well as his children and daughter-n-laws, Dr. James Robert Campbell II and Dr. Yolanda Campbell as well as Dr. John Erwin and Amanda Campbell. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his grandchildren; Cameron, Rachel, Claire, Luke, Katie and Caleb Campbell. The family would also like to recognize the following: Mark Cline Bates II and Dr. Mark Cline Bates who were both like sons to him. They were both at his side providing around the clock support along side his wife, children and daughter-in-laws through the last week and a half of his life. In addition, over the last few years Mark II has been a blessing for Jim and Betty as he selflessly assisted with anything they needed on a daily basis --- thus the legacy continues. Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane with Pastor Mark Ayers officiating. Burial will follow in White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Barboursville. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 Tuesday at the funeral home. You may visit www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com to share sympathies with the family. Chapman Funeral Home, family-owned and located at 3941 Teays Valley Road, Hurricane is honored to serve the Campbell family.

James Robert Campbell

June 14, 1930 - October 18, 2014