John A Campbell M.D.

John A. Campbell M.D. Doc
John Campbell Doc passed peacefully on Nov. 19, 2008.

Born in Akron, Ohio, on Aug. 4, 1917, he was an Eagle Scout and graduated from West High School at the age of 16, and graduated from Western Reserve college and medical school three years early, in 1941. He was a brilliant and accomplished man.

He was proud of his service as a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy. He served in the South Pacific in World War II, and also served as Senior Medical Officer at the Great Lakes Naval Base. After the war he was the first doctor to locate his office on West Market Street in Akron, Ohio. He was a general practitioner who delivered hundreds of babies, had evening hours, and made house calls. In 1953 he was president of the Summit Chapter of the Ohio Academy of General Practice. He developed close and longstanding relationships with many of his patients, which lasted long after his retirement in 1987. He served in many capacities at Akron City Hospital, including Chief of Staff in 1966. After that he specialized in allergy and immunology, but also kept his general practice. He was the first Board certified allergist in Akron. He founded the all - volunteer allergy clinic of Akron City Hospital, and donated his services for 25 years. At one time he was president of the Ohio Society of Allergy and Immunology.

Dad, a dashing naval officer, married the love of his life, our wonderful Mom, Betty Brown Mills in 1942. They were married for 57 years, until her passing in 2000. He lost his son, John in 2000 as well. His brother, William, and his sister, Elizabeth, predeceased him. He is survived by his sister, Suzanne Trainer; and his children, Judith Campbell, Roberta George Nehrenz, Duncan Campbell, Kevin Anita Campbell; and his grandchildren, Dana Ethan Sincox, Kate Fred Baerkircher, John Jenna Campbell, and William Campbell and his family, Mindy and Kendra.

Around the Highland Square area Dad was known for his sky blue, Mark Donohue Javelin. He and mom enjoyed traveling, dining out, playing bridge, watching musicals, and the theater. They were members of St. Vincent Catholic Church. He enjoyed his monthly poker date with his friends and his time with his WAD friends. He loved watching baseball, and playing golf and tennis. He was especially proud of his holeinone in 1979. In a world of dark suits, Dad was a Campbell plaid suit coat kind of guy. He often referred to himself as "..the fairest flower in the garden..".

Dad had a passion for the beauty and romance of Asian art. Although he was self-taught, he became an expert in the field; the Akron Art Institute sent people to Dad when they wanted to learn more about this art. He was a member of the Cleveland Art Museum and went frequently for many years, sometimes studying with the head of the Asian Art department. He taught an adult education class on Japanese and Chinese art at Akron U. and was on the Advisory Board of the College of Fine and Professional Arts at KSU.

He had a life-long love of learning. He and Mom attended Elderhostel classes together. Over the years he took many college credit classes at both Akron University and KSU, as well as over 30 adult education classes at both colleges.

Most important, Dad was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother and son. He set a wonderful example for his family. He was a loving, strong, compassionate and generous man. He was a people-person who never met a stranger - only friends. He always introduced himself with a hearty, "Campbell's the name!"

He spent the last few years of his life at Sumner on Ridgewood, where he flourished. He made friends with everyone and was loved by many. He will be sorely missed.

The family wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the caring staff of Sumner on Ridgewood and his physician and friend, Dr. Jeffrey Klein and his staff.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held 9:30 a.m. Monday at St. Vincent Catholic Church, 164 W. Market St., with Fr. Joseph H. Kraker officiating. Entombment at Rose Hill Burial Park. Friends may call at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Saunier Activities Department at Sumner on Ridgewood, 3690 Chestnut Chase, Copley Ohio 44321.