Jody A. Campbell

To view a recording of Jody's memorial service, click the following link, https://youtu.be/rqjEpj4q7_Y 

Jody Ann Campbell was born on September 17th, 1964 in Grafton, ND, the daughter of Judy Kearney and John “Butch” Campbell. She graduated in 1982 from Grafton High School and studied at ATVI in East Grand Forks. She moved to Fargo in 2013 and started working at Blackbird Woodfire the day it opened.

Her coworkers at Blackbird only knew her the last ten years of her life, but she made an impact on every single one, and every customer who was fortunate enough to be served by her.

Jody was a Giver. She gave her time to anyone who needed it. She gave her hard-earned money to anyone experiencing hardship, of which she was well-acquainted. She gave her advice to whoever needed some kind words or tough truths. She gave away her numerous belongings from her storage units. If you needed furniture or a random gadget and Jody overheard you talking about it, she’d show up the next day with one, often several. She gave herself to her community.

It doesn't matter who came through the door at Blackbird, Jody would treat them equally. She frequently gave her shift meals to those in need, and would just as often chat it up with millionaires and mayors. She saw the best in everyone. Nobody was like Jody, her unique life experiences, sense of humor, and mile-a-minute energy made every conversation a roller-coaster. She was a true American Original.

She spoke frequently about her love for her family, especially her grandsons. No one who has ever existed on this planet loved an infant more than Jody Campbell. She doted after every baby who was in her field of vision. Her animal companions (Tank and Sid) were the source of many hilarious stories and she spoiled them rotten.

Jody’s life was full of joy and light and it feels deeply unfair that she has left us. But her memory doesn’t have to be tainted by this sudden loss. She overcame a heck of a lot in her life, and her fierce generosity for those she loved will be her legacy. There can be a bit of Jody in all of us.

She is survived by her son, Dylan (Alyssa) Larson, Grand Forks, ND; grandons, Lucas and Jameson; siblings: Jamey (Heather) Campbell, Detroit Lakes, MN; Jeff (Joy) Campbell, Bothell, WA; half-sister, Melissa (Jake) Uphus, Fargo, ND; step-siblings: Scott (Tanya) Hershey, York, PA, James Hershey, Elizabethtown, PA; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her infant son, Joshua; her step-mother, Maggie Campbell; and several aunts and uncles.