James Benton Campbell's Obituary
James Benton "Jim" Campbell, 88, passed away peacefully at home in Longview, TX, surrounded by family and friends on Tuesday April 14, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bryan and Lucille Campbell, his wife Georgette Campbell, his son-in-law of 34 years Paul Gadt, and countless friends, teammates, mentors and colleagues over the years.
Raised in Kosciusko, MS (pronounced Kah Z S Co), Jim developed a strong faith after his junior high baptism at the First Baptist Church. He cherished his relationship with his sister, Linda, and was greatly influenced by his Aunt Bea and Uncle Ernest in Poplarville, MS, who became a second set of supportive parents and encouraged his pursuit of success.
A lifelong passion for sports brought him joy and success, Jim played on the freshman basketball team at Mississippi State, and continued playing softball and basketball well into his 50's on all sorts of community intramural leagues. Honors include winning the MVP trophy at Eastman in 1960, a city basketball championship, and multiple team trophies in bowling and softball. He also loved coaching John's championship baseball teams and the Pine Tree Girls Varsity summer basketball teams.
His commitment to excellence shone brightly in his academic and military careers. He graduated from Mississippi State University in May 1960 with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, where he finished sixth in his class, made the Dean's list, and was initiated into the Tau Beta Pi honorary fraternity. Through the Army ROTC program, he served two years on active duty as a US Army Artillery officer, distinguishing himself by finishing third in his class at the Nike Air Defense School and earning a promotion to First Lieutenant. Later in the US Army Reserves, he was promoted to Captain.
His professional life was a success story at Eastman Chemical Company (Texas Eastman), where he enjoyed a fulfilling career for nearly 37 years. He rose through the ranks, becoming Department Superintendent in 1970 and later Assistant Division Superintendent, before retiring happily at age 59 in 1997.
Family was his greatest joy, centered on parenting and advising his children, and his wonderful marriage to Georgette, which lasted 45 years. He dedicated himself to community and faith, serving as an Elder and Chairman of the Board at First Christian Church.
Jim is survived by his sister and brother-in-law Linda and David McGuire (Brandon, MS), daughter Connie Campbell Gadt (Longview, TX), daughter Katie Campbell (San Marcos, TX), son and daughter-in-law John and Brooke Campbell (Pearland, TX), and granddaughter Carmen Gadt (Longview, TX). The family would like to thank the professionals at Prime Care Hospice and the caring friends from Visiting Angels. Special thanks to the pallbearers: Connor Branch, William Peoples, Heath Williams, Brayton Stafford, Brad Gadt, and Corey Barrett.
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