James Arthur (Jim/Papa) Campbell was born at home in the quiet town of Petersburg, Texas, on July 5, 1945, to James Eli and Edith Pearl (Simmons) Campbell. Jim entered his eternal home to reside with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on December 19, 2024.
At the age of 2, Jim's father had passed away. His mom married the man that became his Dad, James H. Sheppard, so he grew up #6 of 11 children on the family dairy farm east of Pauls Valley. Most of Jim's life has been spent in the Pauls Valley area. After high school Jim joined the Navy but due to medical circumstances returned home and began to travel to and live in different states working odd jobs.
On December 16, 1967, Jim married the love of his life, Mary (Martin) Campbell at her parents' home in Oklahoma City. Together, they forged a life rich in love and laughter, raising a family bound by unbreakable devotion and love. During the first several years of their 57 year marriage they moved back and forth between Oklahoma and Washington state three different times, finally setting down roots for the final time in 1980 where their home is today. During those years, he discovered his passion for construction while working and partnering with his uncle and mentor Dale Simmons. This era would shape his successful career where he formed his own business as a general contractor working with concrete and metal buildings. His workmanship can be seen in many, many areas around Pauls Valley and beyond, reaching as far as Colorado. (And, he could tell you about every single one of them.)
As the chairman of Garvin County Rural Water District #1 Board of Directors for 30 years, Jim dedicated himself to making a positive impact in his community in so many ways. He served as a deacon of his church, was honored multiple times by local FFA chapters and civic organizations, and was a highly respected member of this community and many others. His steadfast honesty, generous nature and intelligent insights left lasting impressions on all those around him.
Retiring in 2011, Jim embraced a new chapter in life. He delighted in spending precious time with family, especially the grandkids and great grandkids, sharing stories, many family poker nights, and creating memories—moments that now remain forever etched in the hearts of those he loved.
Jim found joy in the simple pleasures of life— he loved traveling with no set destination or timeframe, hunting in the wild, fishing by the shore or in the depths of the sea, camping in the mountains or anywhere the motorhome would go, and woodworking in his shop. With skillful hands, he even crafted his own coffin, illustrating his deep-seated belief in taking charge of his life in every way. His love for cooking warmed the home, gathering family and friends around the table for many shared meals of his famous chicken & dumplings and pork & green sauce, and too many other things to list, all filled with love. He loved poker games with family and friends but one of the things he enjoyed most was his Easter tradition of "Papa Eggs". So many kids have enjoyed the hunt for those eggs to sell back to Papa.
Jim's legacy is one of hard work, boundless generosity, and a profound love for God, his family and his country. Through his actions, he taught his family, friends, and community the values of honesty, kindness, perseverance, and faith. As we mourn the loss of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend, we are also reminded of the deep love he imparted in his life.
Jim is survived by his wife, Mary (Martin) Campbell of the home; Son, Jim (Bub) Campbell and wife Angie of Pauls Valley; Daughter, Angie Blood and husband Marvin of Pauls Valley; Grandchildren: Kyrstin Delehanty and husband Patrick of Broken Arrow; Maryah Jolly and husband Tylor of Pauls Valley; Craig Campbell and wife Blacha of Washington; Trayc Blood and wife Abbi of Stillwater; and Cole Campbell of Pauls Valley. Great grandchildren: Eli & Elizabeth, Jameson & Emerson, and Tatum & Tallee and a multitude of other family and friends, friends that he considered family.