James L. Campbell, III, 72, of Transfer, passed away on Monday, May 27, 2024, in St. Elizabeth Hospital, Youngstown, OH.

Mr. Campbell was born on September 8, 1951, in Greenville, PA, a son of the late James and Evelyn (Davis) Campbell, II. He was a 1969 graduate of Joseph Badger High School in Kinsman, OH.

James served in the US Navy for 22 years, retiring as Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO). Throughout his military career, he worked as an aviation electrician aboard 14 different ships, 13 duty stations, and visited 20 countries and countless cities worldwide.

Following his separation from the Navy, he worked an additional 10 years at the former Sawhill Tubular Division of ARMCO.

James was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 6404, Sharpsville, a social member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 5286, Farrell; and the American Legion Post 299, Sharon.

A history buff, he enjoyed studying military history and researching his family ancestry. He enjoyed refinishing furniture and was always willing to help others with carpentry or electrical projects. James will be remembered for his ability to make friends with a stranger, tell jokes and his fierce love for his family. Additionally, he was Santa Claus for many years at the Shenango Valley Mall and visited homes in Sharpsville and Reynolds.

His wife, the former Margaret Hoffman, whom he married on June 17, 1972; passed away three days following James, on May 30, 2024.

He is survived by a daughter, Jolene Camley (Glenn) Boscawen, NH; two grandchildren, Hailey and Coby Camley; two sisters, Evelyn "Tina" Zank, Kinsman, OH, and Donna Price (Randy), Burghill, OH; two brothers, William Campbell (Cheryl), Commerce Twp., Mich, and Judge Thomas Campbell (Marleah), Cortland, OH; a brother-in-law, Mike Hardy, Kent, OH; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by a son, James L. Campbell, IV; a sister, Kathryn Hardy; an infant brother, James A. Campbell; and a brother-in-law, Harold Zank.
The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the Pennsylvania Soldiers' and Sailors' Home, 560 East 3rd St., Erie, PA 16507.

Calling hours for Mr. and Mrs. Campbell will be 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday (06/04/2024) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State St., Sharon. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday (06/05/2024) in St. Joseph's Church, 79 Case Ave., Sharon, with Rev. James Power, pastor as celebrant.