John was born October 12th 1929 in Lake Manawa, Iowa to Asa Campbell and Helen (Dorman) Campbell.
John's brothers were Bill Dorman Campbell, Bob Lee Campbell, Don Leroy Campbell and half brother Asa Campbell. Sisters were Helen Jacqueline (Campbell) Flint, Nanette Kay (Campbell) Flint, Dorothy Jean (Campbell) Housley, and Cheryl (Campbell) Punteney.
John was married to Sarah Campbell. Their daughter was Sherry (Campbell) Delaney.