James “Jay” W. Campbell

James “Jay” W. Campbell, 81, of Abbeville, Louisiana, passed away on June 6, 2026.
Born on December 28, 1944, Jay lived a life marked by service, leadership, family, friendship, and a deep appreciation for the community he called home. He graduated from Mount Carmel High School in 1963 and later attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana.
Jay was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie Boudreaux “Choonie” Campbell; his father, J.W. Campbell; his half-sister, Judith “Judy” Ellen Joslin; and his half-brother, Jay Campbell.
He is survived by his sons, James Julian Campbell of Abbeville and Chad Edward Campbell and wife Julie of Big Woods; his five grandchildren, Jade, Jacob, Christopher, Jennifer, and Joshua Campbell; his half-sisters, Trudy Hubert and Debra Craig; his half-brother, Steve Campbell; his brother-in-law, Gary Joslin; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
For more than 37 years, Jay served as Executive Director of the Abbeville Harbor and Terminal District and Port of Vermilion. Throughout his career, he was known for his dedication, steady leadership, and unwavering commitment to the District, the Port, and the people of Vermilion Parish. He took great pride in his work and in the many friendships and professional relationships he developed over the years.
While Jay was respected for his professional accomplishments, those closest to him knew his compassionate and devoted nature. For many years, he lovingly cared for his bedridden mother, Marjorie “Choonie” Campbell, until her passing. He carried that responsibility with dignity, patience, and unwavering dedication, never seeking recognition and never once complaining. His devotion to his mother reflected the loyalty, selflessness, and sense of duty that defined his life.
Family meant everything to Jay. Whether speaking in person or ending a telephone conversation, he rarely missed an opportunity to remind those he cared about how much they meant to him. His familiar closing words, “I love you,” became a simple but lasting expression of the love he carried for his family and friends.
Outside of work, Jay enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid golfer and bowler who treasured time spent with family and friends. He possessed a lifelong passion for the history of Louisiana, Abbeville, and Vermilion Parish, and was always eager to share stories and knowledge about the people and events that shaped the region.
Many people in Abbeville came to expect seeing Jay standing outside his office during a break, visiting with anyone who happened to pass by. Whether someone was driving down the street, walking along the sidewalk, or simply slowing down long enough to say hello, Jay was always ready for a conversation. One moment, he might be discussing local history, and the next, he would be sharing a story about Vermilion Parish or offering his thoughts on former Governor Edwin Edwards. If you stopped to talk with Jay, there was a good chance you would leave knowing a little more than when you arrived. More importantly, you left feeling like you had spent time with an old friend. For Jay, visiting with people was never an interruption to his day; it was often the best part of it.
Jay also enjoyed a perfectly cooked steak from Ruth's Chris Steak House, Friday night seafood dinners with a friend, visits to the Golden Nugget and L'Auberge casinos with a friend, and afternoons spent with a friends watching the horse races at Evangeline Downs. He was a devoted LSU fan, and his LSU cap was a familiar part of his daily attire and board meetings. During the cooler months, he could often be seen wearing his trademark felt cowboy hat, while baseball season meant it was time for his beloved New York Yankees cap.
In fact, true to form, when the ambulance arrived at his home on his final day, Jay asked them to wait a moment because he needed to put on his Yankees cap before leaving. It was a small gesture that perfectly reflected his character, a man who remained true to himself, his traditions, and the things he loved until the very end.
Jay was also an avid listener of legendary broadcaster Paul Harvey. He admired Harvey's gift for storytelling and his ability to reveal the character and humanity behind everyday lives. Those who knew Jay understood his love of history and his belief that every person had a story worth telling.
A memorial service celebrating Jay's life will be held at a later date, with details to be announced by the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
Vermilion Catholic High School
A Legacy of Mount Carmel High School
425 Park Avenue
Abbeville, Louisiana 70510
Please note: "In Memory of James 'Jay' Campbell" on all donations.
Jay will be remembered for his love of family, his compassion for others, his loyalty to friends, his dedication to his community, his passion for local history, his unmistakable sense of tradition, and the countless lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.
As Paul Harvey would say, “And now you know the rest of the story.”