James Campbell

James Campbell, 78, of Centerville, IA (formerly of Unionville, MO), passed away at Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, IA, on Wednesday, November 25, 2015, after a brief illness.

James Lee Campbell was born in Livonia, MO, on April 4, 1937, the son of Clarence and Iva (Lasley) Campbell, who preceded him in death. James was reared in the east end of Putnam County and attended rural schools there. He entered the United States Navy in 1955 and served until 1959, being stationed most of the time in San Diego, CA. James married Genevieve Garr on December 22, 1959, and she preceded him in death on November 12, 2006.

James lived most of his life in Putnam County, MO. He worked at Banquet Foods in Milan, the Box Factory in Centerville, IA, Missouri Mining in Unionville, MO and drove a truck hauling coal. James also worked off and on for most of his life collecting and selling scrap metal. James and Genevieve moved to Appanoose County, IA, in 1986. James married Marilyn Wright on September 4, 2015, and she survives in Centerville. James liked to raise a big garden to feed his family. He also enjoyed old farm tractors and antiques and attending the Old Thrashers Reunion. But most of all James enjoyed his large family.

In addition to his wife, James is survived by his children, Russell (Kathy) Campbell and Carol Anders both of Unionville, MO; Ron (Steffany) Campbell, James Campbell, Jr., Rhonda (Shannon) Moriarty, Randy (Lori) Campbell, all of Centerville, IA; Kenneth (Dinah) Campbell of Kirksville, MO; Scott Campbell of Eldora, IA; Shane (Nicole) Campbell of Allerton, IA; and Kimberley (Austin) Beal of Mystic, IA. Surviving step children are Lori (Randy) Campbell and Rowland Miller. James is survived by 21 grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, 22 step-great grandchildren, and 2 step-great-great grandchildren. A brother, Harold (Arvina) Campbell of Houston, TX, and a sister, Jennette Blything of Minnesota also survive.

James was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Tyler Campbell and Garrett Anders, a daughter-in-law, Stefanie Campbell, a brother, Robert Campbell, and three sisters, Lucile Marvin, Marie Figgie, and Opal Garr.

Funeral services for James Campbell will be at Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, at 10:00 AM on Monday, November 30, 2015 with visitation on Sunday, November 30 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Interment will be at the Rose Cemetery south of Graysville, MO.

Memorials are suggested to the Rose Cemetery and may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.