James Sterling Campbell

James Sterling Campbell peacefully went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 17th, at the home of his daughter in Skiatook, Oklahoma. Jim was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, on December 14th, 1935. His earliest memories are of cherishing moments with his loving parents, grandparents, and a great-grandmother. When Great-Grandma Wilcox was about ninety-seven, he always liked to hear her play the piano. But she had to be begged, Jim said. He also had fond memories of Grandpa Allen who shot bb guns with him. And he enjoyed helping his Grandma Allen by pulling a little red wagon a couple of blocks to get ice for her ice box. Born as the fourth and youngest child into his family, Jim's parents, Charles Foster Campbell, and Frances Allen Campbell, already had Charlie, Mary, and Elizabeth when he joined them. His father's occupation eventually led them to Corpus Christi, Texas, where a memorable hurricane swept through. Despite the ordeal, their clapboard house weathered the storm, although it leaned first one way, and then the other. Luckily, his pet banty rooster survived by sheltering under the house. After their time in Corpus, they put down roots in Barnsdall, Oklahoma, in 1941, where Jim spent the majority of his life. He graduated from Barnsdall High School in 1954 and continued his education at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. Blessed to have his lifelong friend Don Brisbin from Barnsdall, who felt more like a brother. Don's move to Bartlesville introduced Jim to Emma Joy Isch, the woman he would spend fifty-six wonderful years married to until her passing in 2015. Jim's work career included time at Bareco, Reda Pump (later known as Schlumberger), Petrolite, and his much-loved Jim’s Resale in Barnsdall. Jim and Joy both took early retirement and opened the store in the 1980’s. It didn’t close until June of 2021 due to his health. This gave him a place to use his fix-it skills and share his love for people. One of the proudest accomplishments in Jim's life was the construction of their family home at 914 West Cedar in Barnsdall during the early 1960s. Except for partnering with the high school shop teacher on the kitchen cabinets, he built the house himself. As their family expanded to include a third child, he skillfully added an extra bedroom and a half bath. Jim was a life-long member of the Methodist Church and attended regularly in Barnsdall. When the church closed because of shrinking numbers he became a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Barnsdall. His faith in God was the foundation for his life. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Charles F. Campbell; mother, Frances Allen Campbell; brother, Charles A. Campbell; sisters, Elizabeth Campbell, and Mary Campbell Schwenker; wife, Emma Joy Campbell; and great-granddaughter, Madilyn Wallace. Jim is survived by his three children: Larry and his wife Dawn Campbell, Gary and his wife Ann Campbell, and Linda and her husband Robert Wallace. He leaves behind eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. James Campbell's final resting place will be at the Ethel Reece Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest on Wednesday, August 30th, beside his beloved Emma Joy. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., officiated by Pastor Jim Johnson.

James Sterling Campbell

December 14, 1935 - August 17, 2023