James William Campbell

A Time to be Born

Deacon James William Campbell was born to the late Mike Campbell and the late Nancy Agnes McPherson Campbell on December 25, 1933, in Hickory Hill, South Carolina.

A Time for Reverence

Affectionately known as "Jim Dandy" by his late wife Rosalee, and as "Uncle James" or "Jimmy" to family and friends, James was the patriarch of his family and a steadfast source of strength for friends and his church community. He was a devoted husband, an incredible brother, uncle, cousin, caregiver, and a loving father figure to many.

A Time to Shine

James William Campbell attended lvenia Brown Elementary School in Green Pond, South Carolina, and later continued his education at Colleton Training High School in Walterboro, South Carolina. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952, serving honorably until his discharge in 1960. During this time, he also pursued further education at Savannah State College in Savannah, Georgia, where he developed a skilled trade in auto body and fender work, completing his studies in 1958.

On December 24, 1961, James was joined in holy matrimony to his soulmate and high school sweetheart, Rosalee Frazier, in Green Pond, South Carolina. Their union was blessed with two children, Wade William Campbell and Joan Deneen Campbell Madison, though James was a true father figure to many. The family later relocated to New York City, where James practiced his trade for over forty years. He worked at Village Chevrolet for twenty years before joining the New York City Transit Authority, where he dedicated another twenty years until his retirement.

James William Campbell was a devoted member of Community Baptist Church in South Ozone Park, New York, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Archie Witsell. He was also a dedicated member of the Most Worshipful National Grand Mason Lodge #6 in New York City for over 25 years, where he served as Grand Secretary and was known for his enthusiastic fundraising efforts on behalf of every organization he joined.

After retiring, James William Campbell returned to Green Pond, South Carolina, in 2003 and soon became a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, led by Rev. Claude Rudolph. There, he faithfully served as church secretary and was ordained as a Deacon in 2005. Passionate about his faith, he continued his religious education, earning an Associate degree in Biblical Studies in 2007 and a Bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies from Ekklesia Bible Institute in Beaufort, South Carolina, in 2008. James dedicated himself to teaching Sunday school and serving The Lord until his health began to decline.

In 2024, he moved to Ohio, where his children lovingly cared for him until he peacefully departed this life to be with The Lord on November 2, 2024.

Leaves a Legacy

James William Campbell was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over sixty years, Rosalee Campbell, who passed away on December 29, 2013. He is survived by his son, Wade William Campbell and his daughter, Joan (Roger) Madison, all of Reynoldsburg, Ohio and his dear pet, Abbie. He is also survived by his sisters, Julia Brisbon of Green Pond, South Carolina; Flora Wilkins of Pensacola, Florida; and Eva Woolford of Princess Anne, Maryland.

In addition, James leaves behind several special nieces, nephews, and family members who were like his own children: Michael (Sherry) Campbell of Spotsylvania, Virginia; Nancy (Scott) King of Owings Mills, Maryland; Deborah (Willis) Thompson, Anita Vinson, Leopold Jackson Jr., Shanel Days, and Shaina Parker, all of Freeport, New York; and Anthony Vinson of Jamaica, New York.

He is also mourned by many other cherished adopted children, extended family, and friends. His presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him

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