Reverend John William Campbell
October 31, 1954 ~ February 20, 2016
The Reverend John William Campbell-- October 31, 1954-February 20, 2016
The Reverend John William Campbell, Episcopal priest, made his transition to eternal life with God on February 20, 2016, after a brave journey with cancer.
John was born on October 31, 1954, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was adopted in infancy and was the much beloved only child of William and Gladys Campbell of Shreveport, LA, where he spent his formative years.
After high school, John worked for a number of years in the real estate field. During that season of life he was blessed to father two children, Corinne and Drew, with his first wife Nancy Madden. Upon being called to the priesthood, John graduated from Louisiana State University and then the Seminary of the Southwest. In 1991 he was ordained and appointed as associate rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Bastrop, Louisiana.
He moved to Texas in 1992 and became Executive Director of the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network, training and deploying volunteer care teams for persons dying of HIV/AIDS.
In 1993 John married Rev. Sarah Currie and so began their journey as a blended family with Corinne and Drew and Sarah's two sons Adam and Rhodes Hinman. For the next twenty-plus years John and Sarah served separately and together in a number of communities in central and south Texas. One of the highlights for John was his seven-year appointment as pastor of Karnes City UMC, where both the parish and their pastor grew and thrived. During that time John also obtained a Master of Science degree in psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University.
While John, Sarah and their family were in Austin for Sarah's appointment to St. Luke UMC, he also pursued work in the field of black-and-white fine art photography. Through his gallery and studio, Photo Gecko, John produced many beautiful works of art. He also was the unofficial other pastor for the St. Luke community during their eight years there.
John found his vocational home when he began serving as chaplain for Hope Hospice in New Braunfels, TX, where for nearly five years he delighted in service to patients and families, and in relationship with his Hope Hospice colleagues. He was fond of saying that this was the best work he'd ever been given, and that he wanted to do the work until going on service with Hope.
John Campbell was a man of many giftsa brilliant, creative, compassionate servant of God. He was, in Sarah's words, "the most alive person we've ever known." He lived fully, loved greatly, and is greatly loved by many who mourn his passing.
He is survived by his mother Gladys, his wife Sarah, their children Corinne, Drew, Adam, and Rhodes, and their grandchildren Caroline Hall, John William Campbell, II, and Jaxsen Nielsen.
A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 26, at 2 p.m., at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1306 West Lynn, Austin, TX, 78703.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in John's memory be made to Hope Hospice, 611 N. Walnut, New Braunfels, TX, 78130.
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I”m so sorry to hear about John. He was a very special man, priest and pastor. God be with all who are grieving at the loss of John. God bless John!
My prayers and loving thoughts are with all of you.
John was one of the most unique, amazing and vibrant people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He was my go to for help, counsel and always a good laugh. His presence will be missed but he will remain forever with me and I hope to carry at least a small bit of his grace to others as he gave to me.
My condolences to the Campbell family. John will be miss by so many. He is a great man with lots of compassion. We will miss you John. Rest in peace.
John was the most beautiful soul I have ever met. I will treasure our friendship forever. I will keep his family in my prayers
To Sarah and family I send my deepest condolences. I will forever remember John for his kind sincere words of wisdom and infectious smile.
In a world where religion so frequently divides us, John demonstrated everyday that God is love. He touched a lot of lives and will be missed.
I had the honor of grtting to know John when I was a social worker at Kirkwood Manor. When my brother started on services with Hope, Johm was ultimately the only “religious” person my brother would allow in the house to visit. I hope my brother was one of the many who greeted John when he arrived!!
John was taken from us all far too soon. He had a gentle spirit and guided us with love, vision, integrity. I will miss our humorous texts, laughing together. Someone today called him a “spiritual warrior” and this is true. He was accepted and loved by everyone I have ever met. I cannot believe he is gone! To Sarah and family, support and prayers to you. To precious “G,” I offer a big hug and tell you your son is at peace. Rest well, John, my dear friend.
such a wonderful man and a servant to God and Hope Hospice he will be missed by so many but most of all the staff at Hope! Our thoughts and with you and yours during your time of grief Chris Macedone. social worker Hope Hospice
Sarah – I am so sorry to hear this. You and your family are in my heart and prayers.
I pray for peace over all whom love Pastor John!!! He helped me and my family at Hope Hospice with walking both my nanny, Edith Welk and brother, Jeffrey Ragsdale walk to heavens gate. We love you deeply Pastor John!! Please sing with nanny and fish with Jeffrey. XO XO XO Dawne M Currie
Those of us who were blessed to know you , we were made better by your presence in our lives . Many will mourn the passing of John but our greatest tribute to have known John is to simply live and love every day to the fullest ! It was an honor and privilege to know John Cambell . My deepest condolences to Sarah and family .
Condolences to John’s loved ones. John was the “calm in the storm” for so many in his work as a chaplain. He served with integrity, compassion and humility. His kindness and humor helped him connect with others, “meeting them where they are” in their walk with God.
John was a special, wise and kind soul. He was a teacher and a philosopher whose commitment to inclusion and tolerance was rooted in love and a true understanding of Christ’s message. He embraced the world and thrived on its diversity and contrast. I loved working with him at Hope. I have never felt more respect, admiration and affection for anyone I’ve ever known. Our hearts are breaking, but I know that God is in the company of yet another radiant soul as this great man continues to serve humanity from the other side.
So sorry for your loss. He used to come to my nursing home at least once a week. He cared so much for the resident’s he visited. I never knew he was battling his own illness. Awesome man!
I am so very sorry. John was so dear to me after I came to know him through Alamo Hospice in Boerne. He was such a loving, caring and compassionate man and always with a smile that would light up a room. God gave and has now received his beautiful angel back.
My sincere sympathy and prayers to Gladys, Sarah and the whole family. I had the honor of knowing, loving and working With John at Hope Hospice. He truly was an instrument of God’s love and comfort to so many ! All the nuns, here in CT, have Been praying for John. We will continue for all of you. Sister Jeanne Hope, former chaplain of Hope Hospice
I had the pleasure of working with John at Hope Hospice. He was such a loving and kind man. He brought hope and joy daily to the workplace. He will be dearly missed but now we have a brilliant beautiful man watching over us.
The community has lost a sweet, caring man. My his work continue through example. Love & prayers to the family.
My prayers are with Sarah and family as I, too, enjoyed being in the presence of John. When I knew John was the chaplain for my Hope patients, I felt peace in my heart because I knew they would be cared for with utmost respect and kindness. John was an amazing man with an amazing spirit. He will be remembered and missed by so many who were fortunate enough to have known him. Sarah, I am so sorry.
My condolences to Sarah and family. John was a very special person. He help me through some struggles. Always willing. I am going to miss his humorous approach.
While I did not know John well, he and my son were great friends and I often heard the stories of their friendship and times together from Matthew- my son. The few times I was with John and Matthew, I really enjoyed his wit and wisdom. He will be missed by many! Anne Jenkins
A true man of God. A friend and comfronter to many in need. God bless you.
John made every person he met feel appreciated, loved and accepted. He was charismatic and witty, and he always knew what to say in both dire and joyous times. I was blessed to work with him at Hope Hospice, where he brought comfort to many people. Rest easy my friend.
I was so shocked when I heard the news of John’s passing. He was always willing to listen and genuinely cared about everyone he had come in contact with. Loved his sense of humor and his kind heart!!! To say he will be missed is quite an understatement. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with the family. God Bless you and comfort you.
Sarah, We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers. Phil & Jamie Brown Village Resident 6D Edenhill
John had the Devine gift of showing others how to embrace life, be present in the moment and know that they truly matter. I am a better person because I could call John Campbell my friend. We all hoped and prayed for more time but what we still have because of John will never be forgotten and I, for one, intend to honor him and not waste it. Thank you for sharing your father, grandfather, son, husband and friend with us all. I hope you find some comfort in knowing how loved he was by so many.
So very sorry for your loss, Sarah. My prayers are with you and your children.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Sarah. John was a great blessing to me and to so many. My time with Hope will always be cherished and he was the one who helped me through so much. I will miss his counsel. Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted. Thank you John, for your loving and kind spirit.
Peace & comfort to your family. My mother was a patient of Hospice for 6 months, the Drs. only gave her a month. Rev. Campbell faithfully came to visit mom every other week. Would just sit and visit with her making everyday conversation. Whatever was going on in the news, weather, asked about the family, and prayer. What a “faithful servant” of God he was. I thank God for his service to His children.
Dear Sarah and family, Wayne and I send you and your family our sincerest sympathies and ongoing prayers for healing and comfort. A sweet memory comes to mined when you and John blessed our Molly at the pet blessing at Colonial Hills a few years ago. Love, Wayne and LouAnn Noll