Jeffrey Jay Campbell

With profound sadness, and hearts at peace, we inform you of the death of our beloved Jeffrey Jay Campbell at the age of 63. Jeff died peacefully and surrounded by family at his home in Phoenix, Arizona on January 26, 2023.

Jeff was, first and foremost, a family man. He was a dedicated husband to Annie, a loving father to Phillip and Katherine, and an adoring grandfather, “Poppy,” to Jackson. Jeff also leaves behind his daughter-in-law: Jillian, his sisters: Carrie and Kay, his brothers: John, Walter, Jim, Joe, Ed, and Andy, as well as numerous in-laws and 50-plus nieces and nephews. Jeff’s love for his family was so impactful that each member of his family believed they were his favorite.

Jeff was born and raised in Phoenix, as the fifth of nine children to Walter and Peggy Campbell. A lifelong member of the Catholic Church, he attended St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School and Bourgade Catholic High School. After starting at Arizona Western College, Jeff transferred to the University of Arizona, where he earned Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees.

While at the U of A, Jeff met Annie, and they were married in 1986. Jeff started his law career as a tax attorney in Tucson, Arizona. Fueled by Jeff and Annie’s desire to see the world, Jeff took a commission as an officer in the United States Air Force and served as a Judge Advocate General. While serving at Royal Air Force Lakenheath in England, Travis Air Force Base in California, and The Pentagon, Jeff found his calling as a trial attorney, defending the United States in medical malpractice cases. In 1995, Jeff separated from the Air Force, and transitioned to private law practice in Phoenix. He was the founding director of Campbell, Yost, Clare & Norell, and had a long and successful career as an attorney.

Jeff always planned for an “encore career” as a high school teacher at his alma mater, Bourgade. However, this plan was derailed by his cancer diagnosis in 2017. Jeff courageously battled brain cancer for six years, survived a stroke, and endured numerous surgeries and treatments during his final years of life. Through all of this, Jeff never lost his infectious positivity and kindness. Jeff and his family are forever indebted to Barrow Neurological Institute and Hospice of the Valley for their care and support throughout this journey.

Jeff had many passions that guided him in life. He was an avid traveler and his thirst for adventure and exploration took him on Semester-at-Sea twice, (once as a student and again as a Head Resident), as well as to countries all over the world throughout his lifetime. He was an advocate for education, contributing to a Campbell Family Scholarship annually awarded to a St. Vincent de Paul graduating 8

th

grader, spearheading Bourgade’s All Class Reunion and 50

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Anniversary Celebration, and joining the Capital Development Committee for the St. Francis Xavier Capital Campaign Fund. He believed in philanthropy, and he donated his time and resources to help others, serving both his church and community.

Jeff was an extraordinary person. His heart belonged to Annie, their children, and their grandson. He shared his time, knowledge, values, and joy of life with everyone around him. He was an admired attorney and colleague, a treasured friend, and a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He was truly a gift to those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply and dearly missed.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Brophy Chapel, 4701 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012 on February 4, 2023 at 10:30am. A Celebration of Life reception will immediately follow – details to be shared at the Mass. For those unable to attend in person please join the live stream video to participate at the Mass at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFw_CF7jpJk

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Bourgade Catholic High School in honor of Jeffrey Jay. (

https://bourgadecatholichighschool.factsmgtadmin.com/give/

)