James William Campbell
A Celebration of Life for Mr. James William Campbell is planned for Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Springfield Missionary Baptist Church, 837 Hillsboro Street in Monticello, Georgia 31064. Repast at Springfield Baptist Church Annex. Burial at Southview Cemetery.
“Life is everything – death is nothing.”
James William (Hubby) Campbell was born on July 26, 1941 to the parentage of Rev. William Esther (Buddy) & Mrs. Lillie Mae (Cookie) Shy Campbell. At an early age, James was baptized and dedicated his life to the Lord. He joined the Springfield Baptist Church in his youth. James graduated from the Jasper County Training School in 1961.
In 1963, he joined the United States Army and was deployed to Ansburg, Germany. While serving in the military, James earned four medals: A Safe Driver’s Badge, Good Conduct, National Defense Service and Expert (Rifle) Medals. He received an Honorable Discharge from the Army in 1967 then served as an Army Reservist until 1969.
After being discharged from the military, James joined the Atlanta Police Department (APD) and rose to the rank of Sergeant. During his tenure with the APD, he served in many capacities. One of his proudest accomplishments was to become the first African-American helicopter pilot for the department. James retired from the APD after 34 years, but upon request, he returned to serve three additional years. Therefore, he completed a total of 37 years with the APD.
Subsequent to James’ retirement, he started writing short stories which culminated into six published novels – Beneath the Badge, Lords of the Streets, 29 Murders, Southern Gold, Echoes of Solomon and Telling it Like it Is. James knew the Lord had work for him to do. At the same time, he wanted to give back to his community. Hence, for several years, he volunteered to work with some of Jasper County’s most At Risk Youths who attended the Get-Ahead House. He also mentored several of those youths.
In addition to volunteering at the Get-Ahead House, for two years, James and his son co-sponsored basketball tournaments and donated turkeys during the Thanksgiving seasons.
James was a father, brother, mentor, teacher, philosopher, sports enthusiast, reader, writer, cook (brunswick stew & oyster dressing were his specialties) and family reunion organizer, who loved helping others and spending time with his family. Of all of the accolades that could be listed for James, the two most important qualities he possessed were that he was a man of integrity and that he knew and loved the Lord.
In 2012, he joined the Bethlehem Male Chorus to use his voice to uplift the name of the Lord. The last song he sang on Sunday, May 27 was for somebody to “Help Me Lift Him Up.” He praised the Lord like we had never witnessed before. James loved life and lived each day as such. Yet, on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 that famous morning train which we talk and sing about – backed-up to 2159 Cedar Valley Way, tooted its horn, James got up, pulled out his ticket and stepped on board.
“I have fought a good fight; I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith.”
James is preceded in death by his loving parents, Rev. William E. and Lillie M. Campbell. He leaves a huge legacy for his family and friends. He is survived by his son, Michael W. Campbell of St. Mary’s, GA; three brothers, Lee Roy Campbell of Conley, GA, Pastor Preston W. Campbell (Evangelist Sharon), Chester L. Campbell, and one sister, Dr. Angela C. Gordon (Stanley) all of Monticello, one grandson Michael R. Campbell of Decatur; two aunts Lynda Wise of Monticello and Susie Lewis of Atlanta; two adopted daughters, Angela Hosecloth of Atlanta, and Jerri Staples of Fayetteville; four adopted grandsons Marc & Kevin Hosecloth of Atlanta, and Ross & Neil Staples of Fayetteville; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Smith and Sons Funeral Home has charge of arrangements
www.smithandsonsfuneralhomemonticelloga.com
706-468-6625