Heaven had quite a reunion on November 27, 2015, when Jay B. Campbell, age 77, was welcomed into the arms of his beloved wife, Sandy and infant son, Stephen. His loving family was present at Jay’s Richfield bedside when he passed peacefully.
Family and friends are welcomed to attend a graveside service on Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 1:30 PM at Fort Snelling National Cemetery (Assembly Area #4), with full military honors provided by the Fort Snelling Volunteer Rifle Squad. A celebration honoring Jay’s life will follow.
Jay Otho and Edna Evelyn (Boyce) Campbell, welcomed their son, Jay Boyce on July 6, 1938, in Minneapolis, MN. Growing up in South Minneapolis, he spent countless hours exploring Minnehaha Creek. Jay loved tubing down the river, playing behind the falls and catching Sunfish. He attended Central High School, where he played football as a guard. In 1956, Jay graduated from Central High School.
First enlisting into the United States Navy Reserves, Jay later was called to active duty. He served from April 30, 1957 – April 29, 1959, on a Navy carrier between the wars of Korea and Vietnam. Jay was released to serve out his term in the Reserves.
Jay took employment at Western Electric. It was at a company event, he set his eyes upon a beautiful gal, Sandra Marie Neuman. Their love flourished and at the Little Brown Church in Iowa, Jay and Sandy wedded. Settling their roots in Richfield, they welcomed four beautiful daughters, Penny, Jill, Wendy and Beth. Jay and Sandy also had a precious infant son, Stephen Jay born on April 15, 1971 and on April 28, 1971, received his angel wings.
The Campbell family enjoyed camping. First with a pop-up camper and later stepping up to a travel trailer, they enjoyed camping at state parks and spent many weekends at the KOA in Cokato, MN. In the early 80’s, Jay and Sandy bought a cabin on Big Bear Lake in Danbury, Wisconsin. Weekends were spent with extended family and friends enjoying the water, good food and great conversations. When Jay and Sandy were home in Richfield, they enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially attending dances.
For 37 years, Jay worked for Western Electric. At the age of 54, he retired and started living the life of leisure. Jay was fortunate to be very active in his two younger girl’s lives and their friends. After Sandy retired in 1998, they headed south for the winters, first to Arizona and later exploring Texas. Jay and Sandy finally bought a mobile home at Paradise Park in Harlingen, Texas, where they enjoyed visits from family and making new friends.
Family was most important to Jay and relished every minute with them. When he had a spare moment, Jay loved cooking and spending time outdoors. He enjoyed hunting duck and pheasant and fishing. The annual fishing trip to Canada was a guarantee for a great time with the sons-in-law and great friends.
On the evening of Monday, August 18, 2014, Jay’s bride of 54 years, Sandy, passed away peacefully from cancer. Part of his heart left with her that day. Unbeknown to Jay, on Labor Day Weekend of 2015, he was diagnosed with cancer too.
Jay’s legacy is now left to be carried on by his loving daughters, Penny (Jeff) Zalesky , their children, Alex and Tyler, Jill (John) Zalesky , their children, Mike and Stephanie (Justin) Ottinger and their daughter, Mariah, Wendy (Julian) Cordle , their children Jacob, Trent, and Jeremiah, and Beth (Mike) Swartz , their children, Mallory and Brenna; sister, Geraldine Chandler; sister-in-law, Jan Atwood; brother-in-law, Richard Sewich; other loving relatives and devoted friends.
Welcoming Jay in Heaven is wife, Sandy, infant son, Stephen Jay Campbell; parents; sister, Rita (Bill) Smith, Deanna (Samuel) Schwegel and brother, Jerry Atwood.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation proudly serves the Campbell family.
