Thomas Jay Campbell

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Thomas Jay Campbell, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and respected member of the community.

Tom shared 55 wonderful years of marriage with his high school sweetheart, Lynda, creating a lifetime of love and memories. Together, they raised three children—Jeffery, Kyle, and Kevin—who carry forward his legacy of strength and determination. He found great joy in his role as a grandfather to Reagan, Ryan, and Barrett, always cherishing the time spent with them.
Born on September 30, 1948, in Douglas, Michigan, to Helen and Max Campbell, Tom spent over 65 years as a proud resident of Royal Oak, Michigan. A man of remarkable skill and dedication, he personally built two of the homes he lived in, leaving behind lasting marks of his craftsmanship and passion for building.

A visionary entrepreneur, Tom built a successful business for over five decades, initially partnering with his father before later working alongside his sons. He was a dedicated member of his local chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors, where he served for many years on the Board of Directors, advocating for and championing merit shop construction—ensuring excellence, fairness, and opportunity within the industry.

At the age of 60, Tom embraced a new passion—flying. He fulfilled his dream of taking to the skies and became a proud owner of a Cessna 162, embodying his adventurous and determined spirit. His love for aviation took him far beyond Michigan, as he personally piloted small aircraft across the continents of Europe and Australia, making lasting memories in the skies above. His deep curiosity about the world led him to explore every state in the union all of Canada and every continent except Antarctica, experiencing diverse cultures and landscapes across the globe.

Above all, beyond his family, Tom’s greatest passion was Africa. From a young age, he dreamed of walking the bush with a rifle on his shoulder, and throughout his lifetime, he made that dream a reality—traveling to the Continent more than 25 times. His deep appreciation for its landscapes, wildlife, and traditions led him to become a member of the African Professional Hunters Association, and he was honored as the first honorary lifetime member of the Zimbabwe Professional Hunters and Guides Association. His profound connection to Africa was evident in the name he was given by those who knew him there, Bwana Tom.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tom lived life with an adventurous spirit and a passion for hands-on experiences. As a young man, he earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout and achieved Quartermaster in the Sea Explorers, demonstrating his commitment to discipline, leadership, and exploration. His lifelong dedication to these values was later recognized with the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award, honoring his continued impact and service beyond scouting.

Tom embraced a wide range of hobbies, immersing himself in experiences that brought him joy. He was an avid hunter of the world including Australia and Argentina.  He was drawn to the water, enjoying scuba diving, canoeing, fishing, and sailing, always seeking new horizons and challenges. His love for speed and the great outdoors led him to snowmobiling, off-road four-wheeling, and dwarf car racing, embracing the thrill of the ride. He was also a skilled marksman, excelling in competitive pistol shooting, skeet, and sporting clay shooting, demonstrating precision and dedication. Whether crafting in his workshop through woodworking, exploring the wilderness with camping and RVing, or carving down ski slopes in downhill skiing, Tom’s enthusiasm for life was evident in every pursuit.

Tom’s impact will be felt for generations to come. His unwavering work ethic, love for his family, and commitment to his craft will remain an enduring inspiration to all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held on June 14, from noon to 4 p.m., at the family home, 1128 Genesee Ave., Royal Oak, MI. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Michigan Crossroads Council BSA or the Southeast Michigan Construction Academy in his memory.