James Campbell

HIS BEGINNINGS... 

It was the winter of 1947 and David Lee and Katie Lee Campbell were anxiously awaiting the birth of their seventh child. On February 18th, they welcomed into the world a bouncing baby boy, who they named James Earl Campbell. He was born at City Hospital (now MetroHealth) in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Although James' middle name is Earl, most people thought it was "Irving," like his elementary school, Washington-Irving. His family and friends lovingly called him, Irv. 

As a child, Irv attended Mount Hermon Baptist Church with his family. Although he spent many Sundays at church during his younger years, he wasn't baptized until May 5, 2024. 

Irv loved sports. He especially enjoyed bowling and playing baseball. Irv attended East Technical High School. It was during this time when he was introduced to Carol Ann Moore by his friend, John Chilkcutt. Irv would get dressed up and walked several miles to Amesbury Avenue to court Carol Ann. They began dating in 1965. 

In 1966, Irv decided to get his GED and enlisted in the Air Force. After joining the service, he asked his then girlfriend to be his wife. After he finished basic training, Irv came back to Cleveland where he and Carol were united in holy matrimony on February 18, 1967...his birthday. Becoming his wife was the best birthday present he received. 

James Earl Campbell (Irv) was a wonderful example of UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. 

HIS FAMILY... 

After marrying the love of his life, Irv and Carol moved Goldsboro to North Carolina. At Seymour Johnson Air Force base, Irv worked as an aircraft mechanic. On April 11, 1970, they welcomed their bundle of joy, Carmen Jeaneen.  

After serving four years in the Air Force, Staff Sergeant James Campbell and Carol moved back to Cleveland, OH and he began working at General Electric in East Cleveland. When Irv would get off work, he would walk to Euclid Avenue and take the bus t Windermere Station, where he would wait for Carol to meet him so they could ride the rapid home together every day. Eventually, James started working at Ohio Crankshaft with his father and brothers. It was then he was able to purchase his first car, blue Buick. 

Ironically, his last two cars have been blue Buicks, too. Like many young couples who had been together since their teenage years, Irv and Carol tried to figure life out as a family, however, they decided to separate in 1974. Although they were not together, their love for one another never diminished. 

Life went on and in the early 1980s, Irv began dating Gayle Hughes. On October 12, 1982, Irv and Gayle welcomed a beautiful baby girl. They named her Cacci Tamika. 

Irv was fun! He was the life of every party. He loved to dance and was known to do splits. Irv was silky smooth with his hand-dancing moves. He loved music and his favorite music artist was KEM. 

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die... Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (KJV) 

HIS SECOND CHANCE... 

James was an inspiration to many because of his strength of character and determination. When he put his mind to something, he did it...cold turkey. Irv said it was because of his mother's prayers that he had the strength and willpower to stop drinking. He was forever grateful to her. 

Irv enjoyed traveling to Detroit. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Irv nicknamed himself "Popcorn," and that's what everyone in Detroit affectionately called him. 

About fifteen years ago, Irv and Carol decided to come back together and were together until "death do us part." They were truly soulmates. 

James was a fighter! Seven years ago, he was diagnosed with lung cancer. He had surgery to remove the tumor and went into remission. Unfortunately, after three years, the cancer came back on his lung and in his rib. He spent many days in pain. 

Irv did everything he could to get the cancer into remission again. He walked the Metroparks. He ate healthy. He was determined to do all that was necessary to extend his life. However, in January 2024, the doctors told him the chemotherapy wasn't working any longer. Knowing his time was limited, Irv wanted t make the most of what he had left. He threw himself a party...a pizza party. He was so excited to have family and friends over to eat pizza from his favorite pizza spot, Antonio's Pizza. It was great seeing him so happy! 

For his 77 birthday, Irv had a huge celebration. Family and friends from near and far, weathered a snowstorm to celebrate him. Again, he was so happy to be surrounded by love. 

The cancer continued to spread to his liver and bones. At this point, the only option to prolong Irv's life was for him to enroll in a clinical trial. Participating in the clinical trial would keep the cancer from spreading and possibly give him an additional six months to live. The cancer was treatable but not curable. He began the treatments in the clinical trials in March. 

This year, for Father's Day, Carmen and her husband, Scott, decided to throw Irv another party, but this time in Detroit. People came from out of town to celebrate him...again. There was great food, great company and great entertainment. They had a wonderful live band who sang some of his favorite songs. 

The day after Father's Day, things took a turn. The doctors found blood clots in Irv's legs. Because of this, he had to stop participating in the clinical trial. 

In July, Irv's condition got progressively worse, and he ended up in the hospital. If you know Irv, then you know he didn't want to be there. He kept trying to "escape." Unfortunately, he wasn't well enough to go home so the doctors sent him to rehab. He didn't like it there either. He tried to bribe his family members to take him home. He kept saying he needed to be with his wife. 

Eventually, he was able to go home and that is where he spent the remainder of his days...with his wife. 

On August 22, at 5:01 p.m., James went on to glory. It was 31 years to the day since his father, David Lee Campbell, had passed. When James took his last breath, he was surrounded by his family. What a privilege to be loved! His kind, gentle soul will truly be missed. 

"When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner which you live." -Stuart Scott, former ESPN Sportscaster 

HIS LEGACY... 

There was only one Irv and today, we get to celebrate him one last time. He will be truly missed. 

James Earl "Irv Campbell leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Carol Ann Campbell; children: Carmen (Scott) Martin and Cacci (Charles) Young; grandchildren: Alexandria (Eugene) Thompson, Scott, Christopher, Shardai (Eric) King, Jordynn, and Ausar; great-grandchildren: Eugene, Logan and expecting baby Aiden James: siblings: Maurice Campbell, Jeraldine Campbell, Delores Jeffries, Lawrence (Cassandra) Campbell, Eugene (Naura) Campbell, and Denice (Raeford) Richardson; his surrogate brother, John Chilkcutt: Additionally, he leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other relatives and friends. 

Preceding him in death were his mother, Katie Lee Campbell; father, David Lee Campbell; siblings, Lafayette Campbell, Ernestine Flagg and David Campbell, Jr.

A Memorial Service will be held on August 31, 2024, at 3:00PM at the House Of Peace Funeral Home, 4105 East 71st Street, Cleveland, OH. 

We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on James's Tribute Wall.