Past CCSNA Trustee, Past CCSNA Finance Committee Chairman, Past New York State Commissioner, Past CCEF Director
It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the death of James R. “Jim” Campbell on February 9, 2007. Jim was a Director of the Clan Campbell Education Foundation, and a Trustee and Finance Committee Chairman of the Clan Campbell Society (North America). He was also the 73rd Chief of the New York Caledonian Club, the second-oldest Scottish organization in New York City. In addition, he was an active member of the St. Andrew’s Society of the State of New York and various other Scottish organizations. Jim was a co-founder and actively involved in New York Tartan Week, having held several positions in the largest Tartan Day celebration in the world. He was recently elected the Chairman of the National Tartan Day New York Committee.
Jim will be remembered by all of us as an exceptional gentleman of great tact, diplomacy, graciousness, intelligence, and vision. We will miss him in the years to come. A memorial service was held at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Friday, February 16, 2007. The funeral reflected Jim’s love of his Scottish heritage and his deep sense of the importance of inclusiveness. As per Jim’s wishes, there was not a wake prior to the funeral. His ashes will be interred at the Cathedral at some point in the near future.
Jim joined the Clan Campbell Society (North America) in 1995. After serving for a time as the New York City Commissioner, he was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2000, and reelected to the Board of Trustees in 2003 and 2006. Jim was appointed Finance Committee Chairman in 2002 and served until ill health forced his retirement from the Board of Trustees in 2006.
Jim was a highly respected Director of the Clan Campbell Education Foundation from 2000 to 2006.
Jim served under three different Clan Campbell Society Presidents and was always respected for his expertise and sage advice on a wide variety of issues.
Jim was Vice President of Administration at MTA Long Island Bus, Garden City, New York. He joined the nation’s largest transportation organization in of November 1988 after previously working as a corporate human resources director in Fortune 100 companies.
He held a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston, attended Graduate School at Case Western Reserve University and studied at the Yale School of Organization and Management. He held the highest level of professional accreditation through the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM). Jim was a recipient of several community service awards and is of biographical reference in Marquis' Who's Who in America. Jim was also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, active in several professional organizations and a member of the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York City.
"Jim will be fondly remembered by all of us as a gentleman of great tact, diplomacy, graciousness, warmth, and vision. We will miss him greatly in the years to come." George A. Campbell - 76th Chief New York Caledonian Club; CCSNA New York Deputy Commissioner
We can best remember Jim by carrying on in true Highland form. "So say we all..."
"Ne Obliviscaris"
The New York Times
Published: February 14, 2007
CAMPBELL--James R. died at home in Manhattan, on February 9, after a heroic battle with lung cancer. Beloved friend, respected colleague, treasured advisor and mentor to many.
Beloved stepson of Hazel E. Campbell of Florence, Mississippi and brother of Margaret Jean Edwards of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Jim inspired all of his friends with his courage his grace under pressure during his illness.
Jim was Vice President of Administration for MTA Long Island Bus Company and former Deputy Vice President of Human Resources for MTA New York City Transit.
Jim was active in numerous organizations that reflected his Scottish origins. He served as Chairman of the Board of Directors, National Tartan Day New York Committee. He was the immediate past (73rd) Chief and former Board Member of the New York Caledonian Club. He was the former New York City Commissioner, Finance Committee Chairman and Trustee of the Clan Campbell Society (North America) and was a member of the Saint Andrews Society of New York State.
Jim was born in Benton, Mississippi on July 16, 1941. He served in the United States Air Force in California and Japan from 1958 to 1962. Named Airman of the Year in 1961.
Graduated from University of Houston 1965. Pursued post-graduate studies in behavioral sciences at Case Western Reserve University. Jim began building his 40-year career in human resources at Standard Oil, Turner Construction and The Cuyahoga Plan, all of Cleveland, Ohio.
He moved East and became a permanent New Yorker in 1977. Served as Director of EEO for The Continental Group. Formed James Campbell & Associates, a human resources consulting firm. Member of The Presidents Committee on Employment of the Handicapped, 1985-1988. Achieved the highest level of professional accreditation in his chosen field through the Society of Professional Human Resources Management.
He spent his life working diligently for the rights of minorities and the disadvantaged in employment, housing and public services. He strove always to be fair and kind and to have empathy with those around him. Jim was unfailingly generous with his friendship, his time and his sage counsel. He touched many lives in many different ways. He was a self-made man and a gentleman in the true sense of the word. Already, his presence is deeply missed.
A funeral service will be held at The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine, Amsterdam Avenue and 112th Street, at 9:30am on Friday, February 16, 2007. In lieu of flowers, Jim requested that donations be made to a charity that assists the destitute.
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