James Ralph Campbell

James Ralph “Jim” Campbell, 85, passed away at 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3, 2014 at the Indiana Veterans’ Home, West Lafayette, Indiana where he had been a resident since July 9, 2008. The family wishes to thank the Veterans’ Home staff for their loving, attentive and very professional care during his stay there.

Jim was born in Gifford, Indiana June 7, 1929 to Ernest J. and Dorothy M. (Timmons) Campbell, both deceased. His sister, Bethel and her husband James Huff are also deceased. Surviving are four brothers: Raymond (Maudelene), Forrest (Linda - deceased), Donald (Cathy), and Gerald (Doris).

Following Wheatfield High School in Jasper County, Indiana, Jim joined the United States Army, serving June 19, 1947 to Nov. 28, 1948, attaining the rank of Private First Class, until he was Honorably Discharged. His duties included military police (MP). Jim then enlisted and served in the United States Air Force from Feb. 1, 1951 to Feb. 2, 1955, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant, until he was Honorably Discharged. He served with the Northeast Air Command based in Newfoundland, Canada, including Iceland, Alaska and Greenland. He served as an Air Policeman (AP).

After his military service, Jim returned to Gifford where he farmed on the family farm and eventually on his own, until retirement. Jim enjoyed reading widely and keeping up on current events. He loved studying maps and learning all about the places that he had been in the military, and sharing this with his brothers and sister. He enjoyed keeping up with his many nieces and nephews. He had an amazing recall of people’s names and events.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 at 10 a.m. (CST) at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Rensselaer. Pastor Larry B. Hansen officiating. Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer is handling the arrangements. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.