EARLY YEARS

As a young boy, Jack grew up in Lancaster, at 801 Harrison Avenue, attended local schools, starting with the first grade, and graduated from Lancaster High School in 1971. One of his childhood memories came at Christmas one year when his father was out of work. Determined to make Christmas special for his children, John began gathering materials to construct a toy Jeep for Jack to drive, propelled by the fuel from his brother’s energy pushing him. Jack remembers countless hours playing with the vehicle as a special gift from his father’s handiwork. By the time Jack became a sophomore, he purchased a classical guitar and played for his own enjoyment.

EDUCATION & CAREER

By the time Jack began his career, he first worked as a local grocery store clerk and once in college at Ohio University, he worked at tuning pianos. Primarily focused on an engineering degree when he started, Jack graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Interpersonal Communications after the influence from Professor Don Jansen guided his interests in a new direction. He also worked to help build one of the houses positioned within the College View Acres in Lancaster in 1973. Jack gained the experience as a foreman, as a mechanic contractor, and further pursued his Master’s degree in Organizational Development. However, he did not want to engage in historical research as per the requirements for his thesis and jokes now about how ironic it is he works as a historian working on research for the canals. He later followed a different route down a path to pursue his passion in the art of glass by enrolling in the Columbus College of Art & Design. One of Campbell’s pivotal moments came upon enrolling at the college where he originally planned to enroll in photography courses, but after glass caught his eye, he switched gears, and instead enrolled in courses on glass blowing. About this time, Jack operated and delivered equipment while working with the water plant, in addition to glass blowing. One of his encounters during the late 1970s involved his refusal, to the instruction of his supervisor, to drive over the covered bridge now resting in Sycamore Park in Pickerington. Campbell stated he knew his truck, trailer, and the overall equipment weight accumulated to more than what the bridge would have been able to handle so they sought an alternative route. He claims he single handedly saved the bridge.

FUTURE ADVICE

Campbell shared his philosophy and work ethic, “I only like to work big and slow.” He also prefers to have one foot on solid secure ground with a steady foundation while the other can go anywhere, venturing out into new opportunities and endeavors. He added ironically that blowing glass forms the same way. It remains firm at one point while the other can form in any direction one takes it. For example, in 1975, Jack worked as an energy auditor while also working on expanding his artistic craft in the glass business. He kept one foot planted financially stable while the other sought out passion in  glass. Later, Jack also worked for Home Depot, Habitat for Humanity, and worked in security for Nationwide during 2015 – 2016.

BUSINESS VENTURE

Fascinated with glass after reading journals and working with tempered glass, Jack pursued his passion in glass by establishing his own business. When asked what his favorite color is, he stated he likes them all, as it’s impossible to choose one, as they all collaborate in glass for the perfect piece. He has created and crafted hundreds of glass pieces and projects over his life and enjoys the trade tremendously. One of his unfinished glass projects still hangs as an entry way door as he hopes to one day finish it.

FAMILY

When it comes to family, Jack prides himself as a father, remaining proud of his son and daughter. During his son’s high school and college career Jack coached him and sat in on various practices as he threw the discus and later in college threw the hammer. He became ranked second in the nation in throwing the hammer and he worked courageously to improve each and every shot he could. Jack expressed how he always supported his children and continues the legacy his father left to ensure a father pays it forward for his children.

HISTORIAN

About six years ago, after relocating to Canal Winchester, Jack stepped on the scene of the Fairfield County Parks as their local historian. He jokes that he had to move out of Lancaster in order to get the job. Although stationed primarily at Rock Mill on Wednesdays and weekends, during  their  open  season,  Jack also leads the research surrounding the locks, primarily in Lockville, located in Violet Township. After passing Lock #19, near Nelsonville, numerous times on old Route 33, purchasing a property that lied adjacent to one, and walking the canals, he gained an interest in the locks and how the old canals worked in the early 1800s. Holding multiple lectures at Lockville, he enjoys exploring Violet Township history the most mainly due to the number of Locks located there and includes that his favorite part of working at Rock Mill is the visitors it entices to stop by.

JACK OF ALL TRADES

A true “Jack” of all trades, Jack also built a house in Canal Winchester in 1988 and made sure to capture the sunlight for his glass studio with the multiple glass windows hanging on the south side of the house.

A NEW START TO LIFE

As many know, Jack went through a recent surgery and appeared on the cover of The Monitor in the spring of 2023 when he prepared for heart surgery to replace his aortic valve which he went through on July 27, 2022. In the interview, Jack stated, “I didn’t know how bad I felt until I felt better, and the difference is incredible.” As Jack enjoys playing guitar, he made sure to purchase the one he wanted to own before undergoing the surgery. He purchased a blue quilted Ovation guitar and now the guitar serves as a momentum of his successful valve repair; a reminder of a new chance at life.

LEGACY

When asked what legacy he would like to leave behind and be remembered for Jack responded, “I think about it every day yet have no answer for it at this time.” He claims it may be the artist in him as he always ponders on what he will create next. Jack hopes to leave advice to the younger generation and let them know that when initiating a large project of any type ensure to start slow and catch all the mistakes early. If mistakes materialize and remain unresolved, they will carry themselves through the entire project causing one to have to go back and fix them at a later time. At some point one must make a living financially, so get a pace and then make sure to finish slow so that the craftsmanship shows. Button everything up at the end and take time to tidy up the details. He further stated, “You spend all that time on it, make it look like it.” Jack Campbell looks forward to exploring more with the Lockville canals along with those outside the county that connect. He continues to engage in research and awaits the new season when Rock Mill will open to welcome its new guests in 2024, as he starts his sixth year with the Fairfield County Parks. When you stop by Rock Mill this year you’re sure to meet his sidekick Snickers as well.