The Obit For Jim Campbell

James A. Campbell Ex-president, GM of Detroit Tigers

The Detroit News
November 3, 1995

James A. Campbell, the retired president of the Detroit Tigers, died of a heart attack Tuesday, Oct. 31, 1995 in Lakeland General Hospital inLakeland, Fla. He was 71.

Mr. Campbell was dedicated to the Tigers and their success throughout his 43-year career.

He began as business director for the team's farm club in Thomasville, Ga. He rose to the position of general manager and president of the Tigers, helping build the teams that won American League divisional championships and two world championships in 1968 and 1984.

"Most of the memories were that every time things were going bad, he would always call me by the time I got home from the ballpark and tell me, 'Don't you spend one moment worrying about this club,' " said Anderson, who was hired by Campbell in 1979. "He was a great man who wasn't afraid to let you know what he thought -- right or wrong."

Mr. Campbell is survived by his sister, Betty Herbert.

Visitation will be held 1 to 9 p.m. tonight in A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Rd., Troy.

Services for Mr. Campbell are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday in Mariners Church, 170 E. Jefferson, Detroit. Mr. Campbell will lie in state from 9 a.m. until the service.

Burial will be in Scott Cemetery in Huron, Ohio.

Memorial tributes may be made to CATCH, 223 Fisher Building, Detroit, Mich. 48202; or the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum, Box 590, Cooperstown, N.Y. 13326