James Wiley Campbell's Obituary
James Wiley Campbell, 83, of Rogers, passed away Friday, November 3rd, 2023, surrounded by loving family and friends. He was born in Fordyce, AR, on August 28th, 1940, to Walter and Susie Campbell.
Jim graduated from Fordyce High School in 1958, then went on to Ouachita Baptist University where he graduated in 1962 with a B.A. in Speech and was a 4 year member of the varsity tennis team. He went onto get his Masters Degree in Educational Administration from North Texas State University in 1964.
Jim taught Speech & coached Debate teams at both Ouachita Baptist & Central Virginia Community College from 1964-1970. Beginning in 1972, Jim began his long and successful career in the nursing home industry. He became an executive with several companies and ran hundreds of homes across Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, & Missouri. As part of his role, he helped organize the Senior Olympics for residents that could participate across the state.
Tennis became a huge part of his life as he introduced his entire family to the sport. He had a strong passion for growing the game. He served on the board of the Arkansas State Tennis Association & also started the Western Arkansas Junior Tennis Association in Fort Smith, AR. One of his proudest moments was when his family was named both the Arkansas & Southern Tennis Family of the Year in 1987.
Jim loved the Lord, had a servant’s heart, and was loved by so many with his warm, outgoing personality. He was an ordained Baptist minister and was extremely active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization for several years in Northwest Arkansas. He helped organize Project Compassion, which provided support for people facing terminal illness that had no family around. He & Dianne were very active members at Central Methodist Church in Rogers, where he also taught Sunday School class.
Jim’s family was so important to him. He never missed a sporting event, school play, graduation, baptism, or other gathering in support of his family. He was always a positive cheerleader who would go out of his way to show his love and endless support. He also loved attending Razorback sporting events or watching them on tv, playing golf & tennis with his family & friends, and traveling with Dianne.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Dianne Holley Campbell; his brother, David Campbell of Dallas, TX (Marilyn); his 3 sons, John Campbell, of Memphis, TN (Jennifer), John McConnell, of Fayetteville, AR (Ashley), and Chris Campbell, of Bentonville, AR (Amy); and his 6 grandchildren – Whitney, Walker, Tripp, Mary Jane, Ella, & Cade.
A Celebration of Life is set for Thursday, December 21st @ 11am at Central United Methodist Church in Rogers, AR.
Memorials can be made to Circle of Life Hospice & Central United Methodist Church in Rogers, AR.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?