CAMPBELL, James Duncan

(January 25, 1932 – October 7, 2022)

On Friday October 7th, 2022 we bid farewell to James Duncan Campbell. Jim was predeceased by his two wives: Louise Marie (Boone) Campbell and Judy (Kirkland) Campbell, and siblings Bruce, Gail and Peter, his step-daughter Cindy (Sinclair) Tomlinson and son-in-law Neil. He is survived by his brother Blair (Georgie Lee); his step-children John (Patti), Brad (Linda) and Heather Sinclair, and their children Kathleen, Anna, Andrew, James (his great granddaughter Jocelynn) and Megan; and many cousins, nephews, nieces and their families.

The first child of Duncan and Jean (Boardman) Campbell, Jim was born in Nelson B.C. He attended the University of Manitoba where he obtained a degree in Fine Arts and a Master's Degree in Social Work. Between his degrees Jim guided at Wally Twigg's Canada North Lodge on Separation Lake. Jim and Louise fondly remembered the winter they spent there, and the abandoned moose calf (M'zus) that would often visit them and consume the oakum from their log cabin. Completion of his studies lead to a long career with Children's Aid Services which took Jim and Louise to Fort Frances, Thunder Bay, Winnipeg & Parry Sound. When Louise passed away in Parry Sound, Jim reconnected with Judy Sinclair (nee Kirkland). Jim and Judy married in September 1989 and Jim made his final move to Guelph, where he spent 25 happy years with Judy. The move also meant one last stop for his career, with the Children's Aid Society of Hamilton. Jim officially retired in 1995, undertaking a new project with the oversight and assistance of his younger brother Bruce, the construction of a new cabin on the family property at Fox Lake. Jim and Judy enjoyed many summers at the cabin with their families. This new home away from home connected Jim's new family with the deep bond he had to Fox Lake, reinforcing the connection between the Campbells and Sinclairs.

With a broad intellect, and talents supported by his education in the liberal arts, Jim's first love was painting, most often acrylic. Personally, he found it hard to part with his creations, but his works can be found hanging on the walls of many friends and family. For the artist, the act of creation was like breathing, and he knew he was well as long as he was painting. His love of literature was known by all with the oft-heard query 'So what are you reading these days?' Interspersed with the classics and the contemporary, and the New Yorker, Jim was most recently committed to reviewing world history, alongside current affairs, to make sense of our world today. Being the consummate historian, Jim chronicled much of his family's life through journaling, photographs and videos. Jim was a traditionalist and believed that only film could capture the moment. Digital "photography" was merely a passing fad. As Jim accepted the advancement of technology, he shared his journaling with his family through a weekly e-mail titled "The Friday Report", which eventually transitioned into the "The Sunday Report". The report kept us connected with Jim and his family and highlighted significant occurrences be they birthdays or current events. Jim always had many interests on the go; whether filling massive scrapbooks with all the clippings and photographs he had gathered for the "family history", hand "drawing" the family tree, or writing his memoir of 'A Guide's Life' chronicling his life as a guide in the north.

Even through the pandemic, Jim remained proudly, but practically, independent, maintaining a weekly social route that included the bakery, thrift store, grocery store, public library, and walks around the block to greet the neighbours and dog walkers.

Jim also leaves behind so many people he befriended with his casual charm and gift of making you "feel heard". Even in his final hours one of the attending paramedics dropped by the hospital before end of shift just to check on this extraordinary man. Heartfelt thank you to the many care providers in Jim's life. His family doctor Dr. Choong, Dr. Christopher Morris and the nurses and staff at the Guelph Urology Associates including Lisa, Kim, Joanne,Danny, Nicole, Amanda, Shannon, Suzanne, Edward, and so many more - forgive us if we haven't captured all your names. Know that every name and connection mattered to Jim. Mel, Nicole,Ning, Mark and Heidi - thank you for your kindness on October 7.

At Jim's request there will be no visitation or funeral service. He will be laid to rest with his wife Judy. Alas we must wish Jim "Suaimhneas Siorai Air" (Eternal Rest be Upon Him).

Jim donated generously in the communities in which he lived, including animal shelters, nature and wildlife conservancy, hospitals and Operation Smile. If interested to do so in his memory, perhaps consider a local community service.

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