James Michael Campbell - Obituary

ames Michael Campbell, affectionately known as "Dickie" was born in Washington, DC, as the sixth child in a family of thirteen. He was adopted at an early age, where his adoptive father, James Arthur Smith, a Baptist minister, raised him to commit to religious service. James passed away on the evening of February 19, 2025. Dickie attended public schools in Washington, DC, navigating the city's streets using public transportation, which provided him with additional life experiences. He graduated from Eastern High School and furthered his education at Morgan State University, majoring in speech and serving as the vice-president of the first-year class. Early in life, James acquired a trade tinting windows that he practiced for over forty years. He was committed to mentoring others and trained many young men and women in this field, imparting valuable life lessons, offering tough love, and creating memorable first job experiences for many. Also, several of his nieces and nephews learned valuable skills while working for him during their summer breaks. He was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of North Brentwood. J James is predeceased by his biological parents, Barbara and Giles Campbell; adoptive parents, Rev. James and Lizzie Ruth Smith; and five siblings, Barbara Jackson, Betty Jiminez, Vernon Cooper, Annette Campbell and Theresa Campbell. He leaves behind his wife, Therese Campbell; his daughter, LaKisha (Ronald James) Hill; granddaughter, Sydni Hill; stepsons, Melvin and Jason Kince; sisters Delores Campbell, Jeannette Campbell, Shelia Day, Sharon Campbell, Vanessa Ellerbe, Joyce (Willis) Miller; brothers Roland Howard, Tim Campbell, Woody (Judy) Campbell, Danny Campbell, Eric Parker, Dean Morgan, Derrick Morgan, Calvin Hampton; many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. James will be fondly remembered as a devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather; for his unwavering work ethic (wearing a three-piece suit while tinting windows), and dedication to his extended family. Relatives and friends are invited to James' Life Celebration on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745 and again on Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 10 a.m. until the start of the funeral service at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of North Brentwood, 4000 Wallace Rd., North Brentwood, MD 20722. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Rd., Clinton, MD 20735