George Johns Campbell III

George Johns Campbell III, affectionately known as "Jerry" by his family and friends, passed away peacefully at his home in Healdsburg on February 15, 2025, at the age of 93, surrounded by his loving wife and sons.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Mary Jane, his sons Bill (Christine) and Steve (Jan), four cherished grandchildren, Jacob, Cora, Ava, and Lilian, and many dear relatives across California and beyond. Born on August 8, 1931, in York, Pennsylvania, Jerry led a life defined by curiosity, adventure, and a deep commitment to family and community. He graduated from Choate Rosemary Hall and Lafayette College, where he majored in engineering and business. Following college, he served two years in the U.S. Army as a supply sergeant in Nancy, France.

After completing his military service, Jerry joined Campbell Chain Company, the family business founded by his grandfather, which supplied chains for applications ranging from ship anchors to tire chains. In 1959, he met Mary Jane Hagmann of Erie, Pennsylvania, and the two embarked on a lifelong journey together. They settled in Fremont, California, where Jerry became president of Campbell Chain's West Coast operations.

Following the sale of the family business in 1969, Jerry and Mary Jane moved to Sonoma County, where he worked at Healdsburg Hospital and in the wine industry. Together, they also ran the Campbell Ranch Bed and Breakfast in Geyserville for 19 years, welcoming guests into their home and forming friendships that lasted a lifetime. Jerry will be remembered as a gracious host, known for his sharp wit, warm hospitality, and impeccable sense of humor.

A man of boundless energy and enthusiasm, Jerry had a passion for travel, embarking on adventure cruises around the world with Mary Jane. He remained active well into his late 80s, enjoying swimming, snorkeling, and even white-water rafting. He was also a champion breeder of King Pigeons and a dedicated philatelist and numismatist, hobbies that connected him with fellow enthusiasts across the globe.

Jerry was deeply engaged in his community as a longtime member of the Healdsburg Noon Rotary and Healdsburg Community Church. He especially cherished his monthly visits to second graders at Healdsburg Elementary School, where he shared stories and photographs from his travels, inspiring young minds with tales of faraway lands.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers from Home Instead and Hospice for their kindness and compassion in Jerry's final days.

A funeral and celebration of life will be held at Healdsburg Community Church on March 22, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church in Jerry's memory.

Jerry's family invites you to celebrate a life well-lived by embracing the beauty of each day, holding your loved ones close, and sharing an unexpected act of kindness in his honor.

Published in Healdsburg Tribune · March 4, 2025