The Norman Transcript
January 4, 2009
James Steven Campbell, 57, of San Francisco, CA, passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2008 after a lengthy battle with liver disease and severe diabetes. Steve was born in Lawton, OK, February 5, 1951, to James R. and Jo A. Campbell, but grew up in Norman, graduating from Norman High School in 1969.
After high school, Steve was drafted by the United States Army, serving his country in the Vietnam War.
Steve s passions were good food and entertaining, which he put to use as a chef in Oklahoma and Texas. While working in Austin for the Whole Foods Corporation, Steve accepted an offer to move to San Francisco to open the first Whole Foods grocery store in the Bay Area. Later in life, Steve was proud to work for the City of San Francisco, helping to spearhead an effort to reclaim naturalized wetlands. Poor health caused him to retire five years ago. Whether in Oklahoma or California, Steve was active in local and national politics, tirelessly supporting Democratic causes he felt would benefit the less fortunate.
Steve was preceded in death by his father Jim Campbell, and his stepfather Bill Knapp. He is survived by his mother Jo Knapp, his sisters Kerry Hampstead, Kat Roberts, Kelly Forristall and Sara Abel and his brother Scott Campbell, along with their families numerous nieces, nephews and a large extended family network. He will be missed by the many friends he had from growing up in Norman; Steve never knew a stranger and never passed up an opportunity to help someone in need.
Per Steve s request, his body has been donated to medical research at the medical center in San Francisco. He also requested there be no funeral or memorial services.
|