Jonathan Raymond Campbell

Jonathan Raymond Campbell

Jonathan Raymond Campbell was born November 14, 1941, in Wausau, Wisconsin to Raymond Campbell and Elfreda (Weise) Campbell. Upon graduation from Wausau East High School, he attended Lawrence University and graduated with a BA in English Literature.

Jon’s life changed forever when he met the love of his life, Jackie Hagan at Riverside Bible Camp in Amherst, Wisconsin. They attended college together and he eventually followed her to Washington state. They married on August 7, 1964 and shared 59 wonderful years together.

Jon was a passionate teacher for 35 years at Lake Washington High School. He taught English, coached debate and ran the after school driver’s ed program. He inspired thousands of students to appreciate literature, craft winning debates and drive safely through the streets of Kirkland.

Anyone who met Jon was impacted by his kindness, generosity and jovial outlook on life. With open arms, Jackie and Jon were known for welcoming everyone into their home. Their dinner table was crowded with family and friends; but there was always room for one more. Every Sunday or holiday celebration, the family descended on their house for a feast of laughter and love. Of course, Jon was always the last one at the table, engaged in a conversation about faith, politics, sports (Go Packers and Cubs!) or the perfect way to grill salmon. While he loved to chat, he was an even better listener, making you feel like the most important person in the room.

Jon had a deep faith in the Lord that informed every aspect of his life. He was passionate about justice, quick to show mercy and overflowing with unconditional love for his family, his friends and strangers he just met. Nevertheless, he had an open-mind, never considered his faith black and white and was unafraid to have his views change or expand.

Together, Jon and Jackie led Bible studies, book clubs, dinner groups and countless committees. They formed a powerful duo, always looking for ways to serve others.

Jon lived in hope even through his last days. He charmed the nurses and doctors who cared for him and through all the pain and discomfort. He made sure to share his faith and love, and to let anyone in his orbit know how much he loved his family and his best friend, Jackie.

Jon died surrounded by his family after a valiant fight against cancer. He is survived by his daughters, Andrea Early (Doug), Michelle Ensey (Eric), Sara Ceteznik (Adam) and honorary son, Dave Chiu. He was the loving grandfather to his six grandchildren, Bronwyn Margrave (Andrew), Benjamin Early, Maya Ensey, Quinn Ensey, Sophie Ceteznik and Brady Ceteznik. He was the doting great-grandfather to Georgiana Margrave. He is survived by his sisters Pricilla (Ken) Barker, Lois (Bill) Kujawa, his sisters-in-law, Ruth Redekup, Vodus Campbell and Phyllis Campbell.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jackie, his twin brother, Jim Campbell, and his brothers, Kenneth Campbell and David Campbell.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at Queen Anne Presbyterian, at 3:30pm on Sunday, August 2nd, in Seattle, Washington.