On Monday, January 15, 2024, Dr. James “Jim” Floyd Campbell, 75, passed away at his home in Prince George, BC. Jim will be remembered as a loving husband of 35 years to Elsa Felker, father to Dara-Mae Campbell and Kora-Mei Campbell, and father-in-law to Dara’s partner, Willard Andal. 

Jim’s Celebration of Life was held on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at 1:00 pm PST. It took place at the House of Ancestors in Prince George and online via Zoom. It was a community event to honour Jim’s life and support his family. 

In place of flowers, donations can be made to the Dr. Jim Campbell Memorial Award for UNBC Social Work students. Jim’s family is making arrangements for donations toward a memorial park bench. The legacy of Jim’s life and memories of his kindness will live on through these initiatives and those he connected with.

Born in Vancouver, BC, Jim was the eldest of five children to Floyd and Betty Campbell. Jim’s formative years took place across several cities, including Vancouver, BC, Edmonton, AB, Anchorage, AK, Whitehorse, YK, and Mountain View, CA. In his youth, Jim had a beloved Husky named Tagish and thrived in Boy Scouts.

Jim held a lifelong commitment to learning. He earned his Diploma in Criminology from Douglas College, a Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work from UBC, a Certificate in Health Care Administration from the University of Saskatchewan, and a PhD in Health Sciences from the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). Jim was proud to be part of a family of UNBC alumni.

Throughout his distinguished career in Social Work, Jim was recognized for his senior leadership roles across several public sectors in BC and his contributions to numerous professional associations. As a Registered Clinical Social Worker, Jim positively impacted many lives through his work on child welfare, mental health and substance use, and rural and Indigenous health and wellness.

Jim’s professional roles include Regional Manager of Mental Health & Traditional Wellness with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA); Executive Lead for Mental Health and Substance Use at Northern Health; Regional Director of Tertiary and Community Mental Health and Substance Use at Interior Health; and various roles with the B.C. Ministry of Children and Family Development and B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

Jim’s key professional accomplishments include playing an instrumental role in supporting the “Car 86” initiative with Vancouver City Police in 1990 for Child Protection Social Workers and police to respond to child welfare situations and supporting the “Car 87” Mental Health car; acting as the Principal Researcher in the 1994 “Evaluation of the Victoria child protection mediation project,” which led to the establishment of child protection mediation in BC’s Child, Family and Community Service Act of 1996; designing, creating, and running the Interior Health Regional Tertiary Psychiatric Facilities, a 150-bed system, from 2004 to 2008; and leading construction of “Observation Units” in community hospitals across Northern BC. In his most recent role with FNHA, Jim led work in regional Mental Health, Harm Reduction, Traditional Wellness, and Land-Based Healing programs and services for 55 First Nations communities throughout the North.

Additionally, Jim was an active member of the BC Association of Social Workers, Northern Branch. He previously served as Chair of the BC College of Social Workers and the BC Board of Registration for Social Workers. Jim was also a sessional instructor with the UNBC School of Social Work and previously the School of Social Work and Human Services at Thompson Rivers University. Jim’s humility, paired with his intellect and compassion, made him a friend, mentor, confidant, and beacon of inspiration to many within the profession.

Nonetheless, Jim’s greatest accomplishment is the family he built with the love of his life, Elsa Felker. Jim met Elsa in 1988 through their long-time friend, Joan LeClair. Jim and Elsa shared 35 years of marriage, including raising Dara and Kora, and three beloved dogs — Tristan, Tara, and Telkwa. The family moved from Burnaby to 150 Mile House and finally to Prince George, where they have been Northern BC residents for over 15 years.

Jim enjoyed many hobbies throughout the years — kayaking, hiking, reading, history, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, camping, photography, karate, sailing, music, and spending time with his family.

Jim had a special passion for travel, embarking on countless trips. He drove across Canada several times, drove to Mexico in a VW Westfalia Campervan, backpacked through Europe during his early 20s, travelled around India with his best friend, Sri Pendakur, visited Haiti with Elsa, went to China three times both with Elsa and with his children, and enjoyed several other international trips, road trips, and hiking trips with Elsa, Dara, and Kora, throughout North America and Europe. Jim and Elsa’s most recent adventures include the Northern Circle Route, the East Coast Trail, and Dublin and London.

Jim leaves behind a legacy cherished by family, friends, and colleagues, who will fondly remember his compassion, integrity, sense of humour, dedication, intellect, and courage. As he moves into the continuum of eternity, we know that Jim’s spirit is etched in the very fabric of the lives he has influenced. Although his absence creates a void, Jim leaves this world richer for his time spent in it, and gratitude fills our hearts for the many decades of shared moments and joy.

A special acknowledgment extends to Jim’s work family at FNHA, whose continued support and kindness have helped ease this difficult process for Elsa, Dara, and Kora. We also express gratitude to the extended family and friends who have provided support, shared meals, and offered love and comfort during this challenging time.