James Roy Campbell Major, USMC (Ret)

Major James (Jim) Roy Campbell, USMC Ret. (call sign “Soupy”) passed away on Wed. 2, Dec. 2015 from heart complications. Jim was born in Washington State on the 5th, of April 1936 to Leroy and Opal (nee Moon) Campbell. While still in High School, Jim enlisted in the Naval Air Reserve at NAS Seattle (Stand Point); nine months later enlisting in the regular Navy, training to be an aviation electrician until applying/ selected for Naval Aviation Cadet Program in 1956. While in the Cadet program, he applied for a Marine Corps Commission and was awarded his wings and Marine Corps commission in 1957.

In the Corps, Jim flew F4D Skyray fighter aircraft and participated in the Quemoy, Matsu Taiwan Straights Crisis in 1958 and 1959. He was later a forward air controller for a tour and then after a follow-on three tour as a primary flight instructor in Pensacola, Florida, he relocated to Viet Nam for volunteer combat tour in 1966. Jim flew 143 combat missions in the A4 Skyhawk light attach aircraft. He filled a series of important billets (command, maintenance, legal, and advisory) while continued to fly the A4 Skyhawk until retirement In 1975 with 21 years service.

In 1975, Jim accompanied his wife for a tour of duty to Stuttgart, Germany where he earned both his BS and MS degree. Upon returning to the United States four years later, he became a stockbroker, working in the financial area for the next 16 years both in the States and Okinawa. When his wife retired in ’92, they moved from Arlington, VA to Virginia Beach, where they ran a catering business until permanently returning to Arlington in 2004.

Jim was a member of the Military Officers of America, The Marine Corps Aviation Assoc., The Saint Andrew Society, The American Legion, Knights of Columbus, the Porsche Club of America, Birds, and the McDonald’s Coffee Group. In retirement, he became a glider pilot, pursued his grand passion for cars, and remained a devoted “feline” lover. Jim was dearly loved by friends that spanned three continents.

Jim is survived by his brother Gerald Lee Campbell; Col. Marguerite Jacqueline (Jackie) Campbell, USMC (Ret), wife of 47 years; three daughters, Pamela Jo Pirtle of St. Paul, Minnesota, Patricia Elizabeth Trout of Fullerton, California, and Polly Anna Fleming of Irvine, California; six granddaughters - Ashley Lynn Kautzer, Erin Elizabeth Burns, Claire Marie Bernard, Lauren Elizabeth Gadzinski, Samantha Nichole McCarthy, and Teresa Marie Gadzinski; and great grandchildren Cole Robert Kautzer, Calista Jacqueline Kautzer and Calab Craig McCarthy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12:45pm Tuesday, 8, March 2016 at the Old Post Chapel, Ft. Myer. Interment, with full military honors, to follow at Arlington National Cemetery. A reception will be held at the Officers club, following the interment. Those wishing to attend the services are encouraged at arrive 45 minutes prior using the Hatfield Gate on Washington Blvd and 2nd Street South. Those who plan to attend, but do not have a Government ID or Military ID please RSVP at: mjackie.campbell@verizon.net., no later than 2 March 2016. All events are open to all our friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Wounded Warriors.

Online condolences may be made at www.murphyfuneralhomes.com. The family would welcome thoughts and memories from all his many friends.