James Campbell

Our beloved James “Bucky” Campbell, 81, went to be with the Lord on June 24, 2025. He was born on January 29, 1944, in Houston, to Raymond and Norma Loraine (Parnell) Campbell.

A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Rusk. Visitation: will receive friends on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.at First Baptist Church in Rusk. Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home in Jacksonville.

He will be laid to rest at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Rusk. 

A lifelong resident of Rusk, Texas, James dedicated himself wholly to the betterment of his hometown. For 35 years, he served as a member of the Rusk Volunteer Fire Department. He guided the education of countless students during his 14-year tenure as President of Rusk ISD School Board and was a steady source of support as a member of the Anderson/Cherokee County Crisis Center. In 1994, the city honored him as Citizen of the Year, and he is also known as the longest serving Sheriff of Cherokee County. Most recently, due to his civil service dedication, he was named recipient of the Texas Peacemaker Award in 2015, a tribute to the deep impact he made on lives across the state. 

Mr. Campbell’s heart for service was matched only by his unwavering faith. As a devoted member and deacon of First Baptist Church in Rusk, he offered guidance and kindness to his church family.

James was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Margaret Fitts. 

Left to cherish James’ memory are his loving wife, Marilyn; son, Jamie Campbell and wife, Julie, of Nacogdoches; daughter, Melonie Hoffman and husband, Jason, of Elkhart; brother, Mark Wayne Campbell and wife, Anna Lou, of Salado; grandchildren, Bryce Hoffman and wife, Helen; Seth Hoffman and wife, Sam; Ella Hoffman and fiancé, Luke Reed; Brittany Mitchell; Shelby Mitchell; and Emily Campbell; and several nieces and nephews. 

Pallbearers will be Tom Ball, Johnathan Hughes, Chris Davis, Robin Parsons, Ken McClure, and Eric Collins. 

Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Ball, Kenneth Buckhanan, Wayne Davis, Lynn Kelley, Andy Sitgreaves, Gray Briley, Jerry Sanders, Terry Roach, and Deacons of First Baptist Church.