Jim Campbell

We should not be judged by the number of years in our life, but by the life in our years. Jim "Gunner" Campbell lived a good life in his 41 years, a life that was ended much too soon. A loving son, father and friend, Gunner was always there when needed, whether it was for his own children or the underprivileged children he helped through Bresa Del Rio, everyone could count on Gunner Campbell. One call and he was there.

In 1964, Plainwell, Michigan was much like other small towns of the time. Its economy was bolstered by the surrounding paper mills and its proximity to the city of Kalamazoo . While other parts of the country were experiencing protests and sit-ins, and words like "civil rights", "sit-in", and "hippie" were becoming part of our everyday vocabulary, Donald James and Sharon (Meyers) Campbell were quietly living and raising their daughter, Monica in the city of Plainwell . That relative quiet was broken when on May 8, 1964, Sharon gave birth to a son they named James.

Born in Pipp Hospital , Jim started his life in Plainwell, but because his father was in the Army, the family moved around quite a bit. He attended schools in places like North Carolina and Germany , but he always returned to Plainwell. Changing schools never fazed this young man, and when the family returned to Michigan, Jim started school in Martin, Michigan , fitting in like he had been there all along. In spite of the many moves, he was an excellent student. When not studying, he enjoyed riding horses, fishing and hunting, and was active in the local 4-H Club. Making friends came easily to him, and transferring to Otsego High School , he graduated with the class of 1983.

After high school, Jim went to work for Montgomery Wards in shipping and receiving. One of the other men working there would soon become his' father-in-law. Shortly after high school, Jim married Patricia Arrowood. The couple were blessed with two wonderful children, Amanda and James. Although the marriage did not last, Jim's love for his children was never ending. They were the joy of his life. Later, he became father to Travis, who just increased his blessings.

After working at Montgomery Wards for a while, Jim made a job change and went to work for Murco - now known as Packerland - in Plainwell. From there he moved on to the construction business. To better his position, Jim went to school to get his apprentice master mason license. With this new license in hand, he started his own business, Campbell Builders which built pole barns. Working with his stepfather Carl Robar, gave the two men a chance to form a close "father-son" relationship. Six years ago, Jim decided to close his business and he began working for Shoreline Roofing in Nunica. A job he extremely enjoyed, for the work, but more so for the friendship he made with the men he worked with.

As a teenager, Jim, or as most of his friends knew him, "Gunner" had started working at Bresa Del Rio Ranch doing odd jobs. Slowly he became more of a common face at the ranch, working in security and most recently in management. For a short time, he even lived on the ranch while his parents were moving. Bresa became a second home and a second family to Gunner. He loved the people he worked with and especially loved being around the horses. He took part in many of the country-western plays put on at Bresa and became very involved in doing volunteer work with the underprivileged children supported by the Ranch. With his experience in security, Gunner also provided security for a women's football team, the Plainwell Days festival and the B-93 Birthday Bash, which are held every year.

If Gunner Campbell was your friend, you were very fortunate. He was dependable, devoted and was constantly volunteering to help others with whatever needed doing. Only a good friend would fill in as a bridesmaid at the last minute, when the original bridesmaid didn't show up-Gunner was the fill-in bridesmaid. He also stood up with many of his friends as a groomsman at their weddings. As big and strong as Gunner was, his heart was that much bigger and that much more giving.

In spite of his many activities and interests, Gunner's main objective in life was to spend time with his children. They hunted together, fished together, and loved spending time outdoors riding horses, playing sports - anything they wanted to do was okay with Gunner. His family was a main priority in his life. Gunner strove to be a wonderful son and father and provide the best he could for those he loved the most.

He who plants kindness, gathers love. Gunner Campbell gathered and shared a lot of love during his short life time - love that will be carried in the hearts of his family and friends as they mourn his passing.

Jim "Gunner" Campbell , age 41, died on July 24, 2005 at the University of Michigan Medical Center following a fall while roofing. Learn more about Gunner, visit with his family, and view his Life Story Film at his memorial service on Wednesday at 10 AM at RDMG Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel. Jim's family includes his children: Amanda & Chris Larsson of Kalamazoo, James Campbell of Otsego, and Travis Campbell of Plainwell; his mother and step-father Sharon & Carl Robar, Sr. of Plainwell; 4 Robar step-brothers; his father Donald Campbell of South Haven; several step brothers & sisters and half brothers and sisters; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins; and all of his dear friends at Bresa. He was preceded in death by his sister Monica. Please visit Gunner's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a favorite memory, sign the guest book, or make a memorial donation to his family, for his children's education.