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1942
2017
John Theodore Campbell, 74, beloved husband, father and grandfather unexpectedly passed away on March 22, 2017 and is now with the Lord.
He was born in Richmond, VA, graduated from Douglas Freeman High School, earned a football scholarship to Virginia Military Institute and later attended Richmond College where he met Ellen, his wife of 54 years.
In 1969 John was made sales manager of 4 states and transferred to Phoenix. When he felt the heat and saw the palm trees, he decided that he was home. After 11 years in that position he opened his own Advertising Specialty business which continues today.
John enjoyed traveling for missions in Africa and pleasure in many countries from the Netherlands to New Zealand.
John's philosophy was that the money he earned was only there to enable his work for God. . He had a strong desire to help the people of Africa, culminating in supporting native seminarians & church leaders wanting to spread God's words to its people. When the Lost Boys of South Sudan came to Arizona, John was among the first to help them personally.
John was most proud of the work he did in Christian ministry. He was a Lay Reader at All Saints Episcopal Church in Phoenix, AZ for 32 years. He served as Lay leader of Arizona Anglican Cursillos for years beginning in 1977 and he was the first Lay Director of the Arizona Walk to Emmaus #1. Both of these Christian Renewal programs have brought thousands of people closer to our Lord. He taught Bible classes to all ages throughout his life & continued to teach that our work for God is not complete at any age.
For 38 years John was a volunteer Santa Claus. He ministered to little children, terminally ill adults, nursing homes, chemo rooms, and to groups who wanted a wholesome celebration of Christmas. He would be found giving candy canes to the janitors, dishwashers and caregivers because he saw everyone that many other people overlook. This Santa gave hundreds of thousands of people a hug and the message that Jesus loves them. Recently he took his 50 best true Santa stories and compiled them into a book "Santa and the Candy Cane Heart".
John was a gentleman, a Christian and "the best Santa ever"..
He is preceded in death by his son, Sean Andrew Campbell.
John is survived by his wife, Ellen Campbell, daughter, Stefanie Campbell, grandson, Johnathan Campbell.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at 2 pm at Bethany Bible Church, 6060 North 7th Ave., Phoenix, 85021. A reception will be held at the church following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to North Pole Ministries www.northpoleministries.org or Arizona Walk to Emmaus www.azemmaus.org or Lampstand Ministries www.lampstand-ministries.org.
Visit www.ALMoore-Grimshaw.com for condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Campbell Family.
March 23, 2019
Friend
Beanna Whitlock
Great men are never forgotten, especially when you see the affect they had on family and friends. The world is full of many men, but John was a gentleman and is missed.
May 24, 2017
Emilie Peterson
Mr. John Campbell will be missed by many and I will surely miss his visits to Trader Joe's PV and more particularly every Christmas season when he hands out stuffed toys and candy canes to all of us employees at the store and to those unsuspecting shoppers. I will miss you Santa John.
Emilie Peterson, Trader Joe's Paradise Valley
April 16, 2017
Laura Slawny
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It warmed my heart to read about all the incredible work John has done to help so many people in our community and around the world. My thoughts are with your family.
April 14, 2017
Denise Spence
You are in my prayers. I am so grateful to have known and been loved by John. His heart was so big and loving! He's been such a blessing to me, to my family and to Lampstand Ministries. I will never forget his impact on my life. God bless and keep you, Ellen, Stefanie and Jonathan.
Love,
April 14, 2017
Marie and Jim Dunkelbarger
Dear Ellen and Family.
Jim and i were very sorry to read about John. We will always remember him from Sages at All Saints and how he handed out candy canes on Christmas Eve to the children. I recently read his book the Christmas Candy Cane that I received in the mail and it brought back so many memories. I gave it to one of my daughters to read only a couple of months ago. Many thoughts and prayers are with all of your family.
April 12, 2017
Beanna Whitlock
To say John will be missed is far too little to say but John is still with us in his goodness, his charity and the love he had for those we love, his wife, daughter and grandson. What a blessing this family has been and continues to be. John was in the world of men but knowing John meant you knew a true gentleman. John, hold that Christmas spirit for us - we will be looking for you!
April 12, 2017
Kathy Stoller
Dear Campbell's, I was devastated to hear about Santa John. He was a wonderful kind man who will never be forgotten. I'm so happy you got his book published. I will treasure my last stuffed animal.
April 8, 2017
Jim Cochrane
I knew John as a close friend during high school in Richmond, Va. He was a gifted athlete and team leader. We have stayed in touch over the years and he set example of giving his life to Christ and family. I have been honored to know him. Ellen, Stephenie, and Johnathan our prayers are with you.
April 7, 2017
Jean Canoose
Stefanie and Ellen, I was so sorry to hear about John. I loved what he was doing with the North Pole ministry.
Jean
April 5, 2017
Abraham Deng
Dear Campbell family:
We are very sad for suddenly lost of father John. Please accept our deep condolences. He has been a wonderful person to his family and friends. He used to get along with all people of races whether they are poor or rich. His heart has no boundaries. May God almighty welcome you to his kingdom. We love you and we missed you. Rest in Peace Father John!
Sincerely,
Deng, Ajoh, Anai & Garang Deng
April 5, 2017
georgetta bidwell
Had a wonderful first trip to Kenya with John in 1988 He came to evaluate the Kenya Methodist Church for possible walk to Emmaus program. They do not need it now he said.They are spirit filled and still at Pentecost Praise John for his commitment to Christ and his work for the Kingdom of God
Georgetta
April 4, 2017
Tom Wick
John helped bring the Walk to Emmaus to Arizona and was Lay Director of Walk #1 which I was privileged to attend. His leadership made me a better pastor, husband, father and follower of Christ. I'm forever grateful for the thousands of lives he touched.
April 4, 2017
Jan Oestreich
John kept me and Jenny in his prayers when we had tough times. I can never repay the love and kindness he showed us. And, yes, he was the best Santa.
April 4, 2017
John was so faithful to visit us every December as far back as I can remember. I do not know how we made his list, but we looked forward to hearing his jingle bells and laughter. Our children all grew up with the stuffed animals he delivered every year. John was one of a kind.
You have our deepest sympathy
Batteries Plus Bulbs crew
April 4, 2017
Douglas Harter
You always helped bring our EA meetings to Life. I will never forget your spirit.
April 3, 2017
Cyndy Malinski
Dear Campbell Family, Please accept our deepest condolences. John was a big part of our Dimpfel/Malinski Christmas Eve celebration for many years. He was a wonderful man and a blessing to all. He will be deeply missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
April 3, 2017
John for many years was the Santa Claus for so many Xavier College Preparatory events. His warm, caring manner, his realistic Santa look and his message about the true meaning of Christmas was treasured by all of us at Xavier. At the 2016 Xavier Faculty Christmas party he gave me a copy of his book "Santa and the Candy Cane Heart" I read the stories during Christmas Holidays and all of them were moving and heartfelt. We will miss John's spirit and message. We will have a Mass said in his memory here in the Xavier Prep Chapel of our Lady. Sister Lynn Winsor BVM, Vice Principal for Activities/Athletic Director Xavier College Preparatory
April 3, 2017
Jocelyn O'Neill
Turtle River Great Banquet Community in Tequesta, FL is lifting your family up in prayer this week.
April 3, 2017
STEFANIE CAMPBELL
Dad,
Know that I will love you and miss you until the end of my days. You have worked hard all your life. Well done sayeth the Lord! May you rest well God's True and Faithful servant.
April 2, 2017
To the Campbell family. Please accept my deepest condolences. May knowing that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many bring a measure of comfort. We look forward to the time when all things that cause sickness and death will be eradicated by God's Kingdom. Matthew 6: 9, 10
April 1, 2017
Janet Hemmerle
John was so loved by all who knew him. The ladies at the Hallmark Post Office were shocked! They showed me their copy of John's book, "Santa and the Candy Cane Heart". We were all so happy John shared his Santa experience with all of us in his book. That was such a glorious legacy!
My love, thoughts and prayers are with Stefanie, Ellen and Jonathan.
March 31, 2017
Diana Noyes
John will be missed by all that knew him. I sure will miss his visits as Santa Claus to my office and all here will as well. My prayers are with the Ellen, Stephanie and Johnathan.
Diana Noyes
March 31, 2017
Marty Castrol
John has been such an inspiration. He has always had such a positive and wonderful attitude about life,faith and most important of all his family. We will miss him. Love Marty and Ed Castro
March 30, 2017
Rosanne Nielsen
I met Mr. Campbell last December while in
Trader Joe's checkout line. I asked if he were
Santa Claus, and he replied, "Yes." To my
request about a home visit for my grand-
children, he said he was fully booked. I certainly understood, as he truly was Santa! I checked
out and left the store. John sensed something
in my plea, and came out of the store and
gave me his card, saying call after 4. Santa made a home visit the next Sunday! My son and family are in
AZ. for cancer treatment.
From a grateful mother and grandma.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Funeral services provided by:
A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuaries Bethany Chapel710 West Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013
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