John C. Campbell Jr.

John C. "Jack" Campbell Jr., 92, passed away peacefully in his home, on Monday, May 16, 2016, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. He was born September 26, 1923. Preceded in death by his wife of 60 years Lenna Mae (Haudenschield) Campbell, parents John C. Campbell, Sr. and Marie (Daughters) Campbell, and step-brother Robert Hutchinson. A life-long resident of Columbus, Jack graduated from Central HS, Class of '41, where he played football and remained active in alumni activities. A WWII US Navy veteran, who proudly served our country as a signalman, was stationed in Europe and was part of the D-Day activities at Utah Beach.

He worked in the auto parts industry and retired in 1989 as Executive Director for OAWA (Ohio Automotive Wholesalers Association). A long-time member of the Westerville Community United Church of Christ, 50+ year member of York Masonic Lodge 563, York Chapter 155, and York Council 115, Columbus Commandry 69. Member Aladdin Shrine, 32nd degree Mason Scottish Rite of Columbus and Knights Templar, American Legion 82 and Amvets 89. Trustee for Elks Lodge 2700. Former vice president Columbus Jaycees and past president of The Alpha Athletic Club.

Jack was a talented artist and poet, a golfer and Golfsmith, a bowler, softball player/coach and an avid OSU Buckeye football fan. For thirty years, he enjoyed working/maintaining the sideline coaches' phones on the field and in the OSU Press Box at home games. He had a quick wit, a great sense of humor, a ready smile and was filled with stories, jokes, one-liners and limericks. He had a skill to make everyone laugh and be at ease and was admired and liked by everyone who knew him.

Left to cherish his memory are daughters Nicki Campbell and Lynn (Ron) Lusher; son, John (Lynne) Campbell; grandchildren Tammy (John) Brown-Hewitt, Shelly (Todd) Hackbarth, Krista Campbell, and Heather (Jesse) Grimes; great-grandchildren Alexis and Delaney Hackbarth, Trevor Brown, Stella Campbell and Opal Grimes; and countless close and very special friends.

Visitation on Thursday, May 26, 2016 from 6-8 p.m. at the Newcomer Funeral Home 3047 E. Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, OH 43231. A Masonic Service, followed by an Elks Service, will be held at 7:00 pm. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held on Friday, May 27, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. at the Westerville Community United Church of Christ, 770 County Line Road (corner of Spring Road), Westerville, OH 43082, with Pastor Jay Groat officiating. Military Honors will be observed and a reception will follow afterwards at the church. In lieu of flowers, if you choose, donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Association of Central Ohio, 1379 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215.