John L. Campbell

Captain John L Campbell, 86, Jacksonville Beach, FL, died on July 1, 2024, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s. John will always be remembered for his contribution to the Beaches fishing community and as captain of The Fabulous B.E.

John was born in Corner, AL, to Ira and Flossie (McMickens) Campbell. While on vacation in Panama City, John caught his first fish and the dream of moving to Florida and catching trophy fish was born. He graduated from Auburn University and moved to FL in 1966. He began his career with the Duval County Schools teaching at Fletcher Jr. He also worked at Englewood HS, Sandalwood HS, Darnell Cookman, and the Marine Science Center. He retired from the school system in 1992.

John and his business partner Bill Groves spent summers building a successful charter fishing business, cultivating the Mayport fishing culture. As a natural teacher, he shared secrets and instilled his passion of fishing upon others and relished their success.

John was survived by his wife of 47 years, Frances, and daughter Dorothy (Colleen Kerr); step-children Joe (Ellen) Wright, Rebecca Henderson, Teresa Wright, Dianne (Mark) Farlett and Catherine (Ted) Hassi; 14 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by siblings Lynn Campbell, Jean White and Bobbie Tate; wife Ruby, mother of his children, and precious daughter Susie.

A brief send off will be held July 19 at 11 amat the boat dock on the site of the old Monty’s Marina. Standin’ by….