Jim Campion

Beloved brother and uncle, Jim (“Erm”) Campion passed away peacefully at Uhlein Mercy Center in Lake Placid, New York on April 1st, 2020. Jim was the youngest of six Campion children. He was a 1980 graduate of Saranac Lake Central High School and a retired union Pipefitter.

He is survived by sister Margaret A. (Peg), and brothers John S. (Bolter), Mike, and Pat, sisters-in-law Mary Weston (George) and Ellen M. Campion (Pat), nephews Jay and Ferron Campion, nieces Mary Elizabeth (Mimi), Holland Cohen, and Rachel (Campion) Smith. He is preceded in death by his parents, John F. and Margaret S. Campion, brother George and Uncle Philip “Hoot” Sullivan.

Those who knew Jim may snicker at the thought of him passing away on April Fool’s Day, as befitting his wry sense of humor, leaving us to wonder if he is indeed gone from this earth.

Jim loved the life on the lakes and in woods of the Adirondacks. He loved hunting at the “Crack of Noon Club” at the East Branch Rod and Gun Club with his dad, brothers, cousins, and friends (Jeff Reilly and his former high school teacher Jack Fogarty) with its history, traditions, the many family connections and bagging the occasional deer was a bonus.

Those who knew Jim, knew his challenges. His passing reminds us all that we each have our own particular struggles. Those who knew him best knew that beyond those challenges he had a heart of gold and was a loyal and generous friend: Joey Cavallo, cousin Vinnie Pellitieri, Scott Woodruff and Kyle Munn are some of those who come to mind.

One example that will forever be remembered is his visit to his brother Pat and wife Ellen, nieces Holland and Rachel in Washington State 25 years ago. Rachel was about 6 years old. Jim took the time to teach her how to ride a bicycle. The joy of Jim showing his patience and care to teach Rachel to ride is a memory that Rachel and her parents will forever cherish. That incident demonstrated the true heart of Jim Campion.

Likewise, Cousin Jim Yorkey hearing of Jim’s passing, remarked that Jim Campion was “a blessing to him and his four kids.” Jim’s kids had an unbelievable experience with “Erm” and observed that Jim was better with kids than adults…. and they often referred to him as “the guidance counselor.”

Jim’s brothers wish to thank their sister Peggy who ensured that Jim was provided a quality of life in his final couple of years.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A memorial service and celebration of life is to be scheduled at a later date (SUMMER!) as his wishes were to be cremated, to have his ashes scattered in the Saranac Lake chain of lakes, and to have a party!

Friends wishing to remember Jim may make memorial donations to the Saranac Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad in care of the funeral home. Friends and family can share their written or video condolences at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.