James (Jim) Campbell, age 90, of Winter Garden, Florida, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, December 27th, after a brief illness. Jim was born in Yerkes, Kentucky, on June 4, 1924, to the late Woolery L. and Martha (Hamblin) Campbell. He moved to Indiana when he was 15 and lived there until 1977 when he and his wife, Iona Marie (Chasteen) Campbell, moved to Florida.
Jim graduated from Scottsburg (Indiana) High School in 1944 and served his country in the U. S. Navy from 1945-47. He worked in sales at Thompson Dairy in Seymour, Indiana, and Starling Chevrolet in Kissimmee, Florida for many years. Jim served as the first Republican Mayor of Scottsburg and was awarded an Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash and a Kentucky Colonel citation. He was a member of the First United Methodist Churches in Scottsburg and Winter Garden. Jim was dedicated to serving in the United Methodist Men's organization and was named Disciple of the Year in 2000. He belonged to the weekly Oakland Presbyterian Men's Prayer group where he enjoyed preparing breakfast for his many friends. He was actively involved in the Hyde Park Homeowner's Association for many years.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Iona Marie, and his children, Sandi (Steve) Huddleston of Franklin, Indiana; Sue (Larry) Anderson of Otisco, Indiana; Karla (Ron) Pare` of Kissimmee, Florida; and John (Joni) Campbell of St. Cloud, Florida; and his brother, Orem (Irene) Campbell of Leesburg, Florida. He was preceded in death by his son, Mike Campbell of Boca Raton, Florida; his grandson, Andy; and his brothers, Roy, Berford, and Edward. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren: James, Gabriel, Jeremy, Dustin, Matthew, Allison, Jordan and Tanner and 4 great-grandchildren: Brooks, Auden, Jude and Jasmin.
A celebration of Jim's life will be held on Tuesday, December 30th, at 11:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden, 125 N. Lakeview Avenue, Winter Garden with Pastor Rusty Belcher officiating. Visitation will be on Monday, December 29th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at the DeGusipe Funeral Home, (West Orange Chapel) 1400 Matthew Paris Blvd, Ocoee, and also on Tuesday one hour before the service at the church. Jim will be buried in Scottsburg, Indiana, with graveside services occurring on Friday, January 2nd arranged by Stewart & Hoagland Funeral Home in Scottsburg.
The family requests memorial gifts may be made in Jim's name to the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden.