The Memorial Service for James Campbell, age 85, will be at 2:00 PM Saturday, February 25, 2017, at Anderson-Burris Funeral Home Chapel.
James was born to James and Emma (Romang) Campbell on March 4, 1931, on the farmstead north of Breckinridge, and passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2017, in Purcell. The only boy of seven children, James was raised on the family farm with his first education being at a one-room schoolhouse, Union. His sisters have mentioned that he would often saddle his horse to ride the 1/8th mile to school. James later attended Garber Public Schools, where he was active in Future Farmers of America. Upon graduation, he began his college education at Oklahoma A & M. After one year, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served for two years at Ft. Lewis in the state of Washington, achieving the rank of Corporal. With the end of the Korean Conflict, James resumed his college education at Oklahoma A & M, where he was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity and the National Champion Livestock Judging Team for the university. James received his bachelors degree in animal husbandry in 1957. It was there James met Laura Ellen Kerby, who became his wife on October 25, 1957, being wed at her home in Deer Creek. After graduation, James was the cattle herdsman for Oklahoma A & M Angus Cattle Ranch located in Sand Springs. He returned to the family farm and began his life-long career as a farmer/rancher in the Breckinridge area, spending many hours working with his good friend Walter Johnson. James was active in Future Farmers of America, receiving many honors, including State Chapter Farmer, Honorary Chapter Farmer, and Honorary State Farmer.
James is survived by his children: Barbara Rice, Alan Campbell, Jack Campbell, and Steven Campbell; eight grandchildren: Elizabeth Abbott, Abigail Rice, Leah Stewart, Jack Bartlett Campbell, Austin Campbell, Ian Campbell, Megan Campbell and Darby Campbell; four great-grandchildren: Campbell Mae Abbott, Benjamin Parker Abbott, Addison Paige Rice, and Emma Lynn Stewart; and sisters Shirley Mack and Velma Ferguson.
James was preceded in death by his wife, parents and four sisters. Rest in Peace Tig.
Memorials may be made to Garber FFA Chapter or Paradise Cemetery.
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