Community volunteer Jack Campbell passes away

DOWNEY – Longtime Downey resident and community leader Jack Campbell passed away Dec. 13.

Born in Iowa in 1923, he enlisted in the Army in 1943 and served on the German front in WWII. After resuming Civilian Life, Campbell moved to California where he settled into a fruitful business and philanthropic lifestyle. 

His long history of volunteer activity includes co-founding Downey Youth Football in 1958, which later became Downey Pop Warner Football, Inc. 

In 1982, he co-founded the California Highway Patrol (CHP) 11-99 Foundation, which distributes emergency financial assistance to current, retired, and fallen in the line of duty CHP employees and families. 

Campbell served as past president and treasurer for the CHP 11-99 Foundation and also volunteered as past chairperson and treasurer for the Downey Regional Medical Center, Memorial Trust Foundation and Downey Police and Fire Foundation. 

As founder, president and chief executive officer of Campbell Lodging, Inc., Campbell built a successful business which produced over 100 hotels in more than 10 states. He was honored for his devotion of time and talent in strengthening the lodging industry when he received the California Hotel and Lodging Association (CH&LA) Industry Volunteer award in 2003 and again as the 21st recipient of the CH&LA Hall of Fame award in 2007. 

Throughout his time as part of CH&LA, he served on the Board of Trustees, Executive Committee and Board of Directors for many years. He was instrumental in the stewardship of CH&LA’s Educational Foundation investments, in addition to CH&LA’s Employee Retirement Plan. 

Jack is survived by his wife Peggy, children Frances, Doreen, Alan, Susan and Marty, as well as 15 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Steven. 

A private celebration of life will be held in Rancho Mirage at Morningside Country Club February 4.