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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

On January 9th, 2002, the F-86 Sabre Pilots Association lost one of its most devoted and dedicated leaders - James H. Campbell. Jim Campbell died of heart failure on that date.
Jim Campbell enlisted in the United States Air Force in January 1951, and won his wings at Laredo AFB. Following gunnery school at Nellis AFB, he was assigned to the 18th Fighter Bomber Group at Osan AB, Korea; where he flew 51 combat missions as part of Scotch Flight in the 67th Squadron. On his return to the United States, he flew the F-86H, alternating test hops with Captain Joseph McConnell just before McConnell was killed in a tragic accident.
Jim left the Air Force in 1955 to complete his education at the University of Detroit. He joined Chrysler Corporation in 1956 in a sales and marketing position. Five years later he went to work for the Maritz Corporation in St. Louis, Missouri, and was responsible for opening and managing Maritz offices from New York to Los Angeles.
Jim left Maritz as a Senior Vice President to start his own business. Campbell Marketing Corporation commenced operations in 1975 serving the automotive market, listing General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler Corporation as major clients.
Jim's contributions to the growth, success, and prestige of the F-86 Sabre Pilots Association are well known to the members during the 1980s. Jim served as President of our association from 1986 through 1988. His company, Campbell Marketing, provided essential telecommunications and administrative assistance in promoting both interest and growth at a critical point in our association development. He originated the idea and was the 'Pathfinder', who insured the financing and construction of our monument at the US Air Force Museum at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio.
In 1994, Jim stepped back into the association's administration as a member of the Board of Directors. In 1995, he accepted the position of Chairman of the Board, serving in that position into 1997. His company technicians produced the Sabre Pilots Association logo and decal. He was one of the key players in planning for our association's participation in the US Air Force 50th Anniversary celebration held in Las Vegas in 1997.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Mary in 1993. He is survived by a son, James Jr. of Birmingham, MI; a daughter Jennifer of Sedona, AZ; arid a brother John of Bloomfield Hills, MI.
Jim Campbell loved life and the United States of America. He was a true patriot long before the tragic events of September 11th made it fashionable. We will miss him.