James A. (Jim) Campbell passed away on July 21, 2026, at home surrounded by loved ones. Jim was born and raised in Scottsboro, Alabama, and was proud to be a member of the football team at Jackson County High School.
Jim began voice lessons at 14 with J. Oscar Miller at the Cadek Conservatory and went on to study at the University of Chattanooga, graduating in 1960. Through a connection of Miller’s, Jim landed a summer job performing with the St. Louis Municipal Opera, where he met Nancy, the love of his life. The two married in December 1959, while Jim was still in his senior year at UC.
Jim and Nancy lived in New York for 55 years, where he became one of the most successful commercial jingle singers in the industry. Over the course of his career, he sang on more than 15,000 recordings, and it was said that his voice reached an audience of tens of millions each day through television and radio. He lent his voice to campaigns for many of the nation’s best-known brands, including Coca-Cola, Miller Beer, Hardee’s, Tide, Nabisco, and Exxon, and he performed on numerous Clio Award-winning commercials. He was closely associated with Coca-Cola advertising for about 17 years, including the iconic “Mean Joe Greene” commercial, which continues to be voted as a top favorite every year. He also recorded the theme song for CBS newsman Charles Kuralt’s “On the Road” television specials.
Jim and Nancy returned to Scottsboro upon his retirement in 2014.
Jim was also a wonderful philanthropist, helping many organizations over the years. Jim and Nancy have been generous supporters of First United Methodist in Scottsboro, where they have remembered the church in their final wishes. It is Jim’s wish that his art collection ultimately pass to the Scottsboro-Jackson County Heritage Center Association.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Martin Condon and Bessie Bell Campbell, and his brothers, Donald (and wife, June) and William Condon (and wife, Willodean).
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Nancy Campbell; his sister, Lucy Henry (and husband, Doug); and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Scottsboro on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 2 p.m., followed by a private graveside ceremony. The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday beginning at 1 p.m.
For those interested, donations can be made in Jim’s memory to First United Methodist Church or the Scottsboro-Jackson County Heritage Center Association.
Arrangements Entrusted to Scottsboro Funeral Home
