James Paul Campo Jr

Who was James Paul Campo Jr.? He was a son, a grandson,  a nephew, a friend,  a husband,  a father, a cousin, a grandfather, a great grandfather,  an auctioneer,  security officer, truck driver, a guy who enjoyed his space and the list goes on.  To each person he was someone different in their life.  This was apparent as we talked about our memories of time spent with him.  The six of us kids could all recall different stories of who dad was to us.  One thing was for sure.- dad loved each of his kids.  

Most of my memories have been in the last 22 years.  In an attempt to start a new life,  I began a relationship with my Father.  I have been blessed to see the happy joking side of him.  Dad was loving and caring in some small ways.  Like the day chris and I moved into our first house,  it was the coldest day of the year with wind chill below zero.  We had cleaned the day before and slept our first night in the house.  Our furniture was to be delivered that Saturday morning.  The furniture company called,  it was too cold for the truck to start. We no sooner hung up the phone and looked outside and dad showed up with Bojangles.  He thought we might want breakfast.  After hearing our issue his response was simple "I can help you go pick up the furniture".  In below zero temperatures, he and Chris went to work.  

Dad did not always show his emotions and yet on the inside he was full of love. A box of animal crackers was his way of saying "you are special".

Dad was full of stories of the past.   Aunt Pauline was his second mom.  He worried about her when he was away from her and he, like a son, wanted to take care of her.  After all, Aunt Pauline took care of dad most of his life.  

Dad talked about his kids and how proud he was of each one.  He wore his  lawn works hat proudly! 

Dad was game for about anything.  He very rarely said no.  He walked all over the zoo and never complained of his foot. He would talk about going hunting.  He loved spending time with his kids. 

I remember when we decided to surprise dad in GA For his birthday.  He talked about that for years, how special it was to have his kids all together.  Family togetherness was very important to dad.  

Going to church was also very important to dad.  He would go every week.  I love the story about dad asking Andrea to take him to confession.  His fear of God caused him to hold fast to his catholic roots.  

Dad would tell it like it was,  he would tell me "your a real pain in the butt do you know that?" I would answer "yes I do and you love me any way". 

Dad's pride and joy was his kids and grandkids and great grand kids.  I believe his words to us today would be great job,  keep your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.