Jim Campbell

When it comes to volunteers, our community has been truly blessed. The TCA exists today, with a twenty-two-year history, because of dedicated people who shared a vision. This year we honour one of the founding members of the TCA. He was there in the beginning and remains a vital part of our organization. When the establishment of a Community Market became a reality, Jim was there wholeheartedly. His quiet nature, at times, had his contributions going almost unnoticed, but he was there doing the work, setting up and taking down tables, inside or out, after market clean-up, whatever needed doing. When a call went out for volunteers to put new siding on the building, Jim was part of that crew, stepping in where he could help. His good nature and sense of humour add lightness to any task. On top of his hands-on contributions, he often has an idea around fundraising, our Lotto board was entirely his project. The stand, the graph, keeping track of the funds, announcing the winners, all of it, thanks to Jim. This results in an average of $400 to $500 bump in funds raised annually by the market and as each board is full, a lucky patron wins $100.

Jim’s calm, level-headed approach to any situation makes his opinion important to our organization, whether at market or TCA activities in general. Looking back, I remember Jim’s involvement in the group’s first attempt at theatre. What fun we had, and how much we learned about taking a script to the stage. Jim was right there as our stage manager helping everything happen when, and how it should. Jim’s talent is always a vital part of any food event at the TCA. I remember a Christmas Dinner we hosted a few years ago. It was a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings. The gravy was Jim’s special recipe, I will always remember that meal. Then there was the Dessert Café event featuring a long, beautifully set table with a wonderful selection of desserts from Jim’s kitchen, and the Campbell family were the staff.

As one of our steady market vendors, Jim has developed a large following. His reputation for quality baking is well known and appreciated by his patrons, which in turn increases attendance for us each Saturday. Although his baking keeps him in the kitchen a good part of the week, he still has time to act as a co-chair of our market, working well with the other executive members, one of which is his wife, Connie. They are quite a team.

Jim and Connie are very close to their family and are often gathering around food with love and laughter. If you are fortunate enough to call Jim a friend, you are lucky indeed. Gary and I fully support Jim’s recognition with this award.

I have met so many amazing people since I became a volunteer at the TCC.  Jim Campbell is one of those people.  Jim is 'Taymouth Proud' and this is evident in everything he does for the TCA and for the community.  He's the OG** - that's hip talk for ORIGINAL - by now that saying may have phased out, I'm always a bit behind catching onto these things with my grandchildren!  But anyway, Jim is a TCA Original - original volunteer, original community member, original Taymouth-ite!

I have learned in my life to do what you say you're going to do, do it well and to help others.  Jim is a lesson in this.  He's here, he works hard and he helps everyone.  If only we had more young people around to witness the work done here by all the 'elder' people that make up the majority of the TCA.  I'm not saying Jim or any of us are old - Hey, I just got my first SENIOR discount last week!  Seriously,  seeing this man in action is an honor, and it encourages me to work harder and help more.  These traits that our generations show of strength, determination, work ethic, tirelessness, is something our youth could benefit learning from.  We all can benefit and have, by being a part of a team at the TCA.  Jim is a strong member of this team and we can and have benefitted from his presence.  And his smile is warm and welcoming - a constant "Saturday-morning-warm-welcome to the Market" smile!  We are lucky to have him as a volunteer, a community member and a Taymouth-ite!

**What does OG mean? OG, short for “original gangster” or “original gangsta,” is a slang term for someone who's incredibly exceptional, authentic, or “old-school.” OG it is now used as a general term to praise someone who is an expert at something.

Thanks Jim!  You're the G.O.A.T!**

**Not many people can claim to be the G.O.A.T., but those who can are the Greatest Of All Time . Most often, the acronym G.O.A.T. praises exceptional athletes but also musicians and other public figures.

Congratulations Jim! While I understand Jim has been involved with the TCA since the beginning, I’ve come to know and appreciate Jim’s behind the scenes volunteerism as he quietly helps setting up and taking down market tables, dinner tables, keeping an eye on the market board and many other things that keep our events going. Jim is a champion of our Market, a great promoter of market events and also a regular market vendor, and I highly recommend the lemon pie! Jim is an all round great guy, the only way he could be better is to cheer for a new hockey team!  Perhaps one in Blue and White. Congratulations Jim and thank you for all your community involvement. 

Jim has been putting up tables and stacking  chairs for market, musical events and suppers forever. He also manages the Market Lotto Board, but has yet to draw my number. Congratulations, Jim:)

When I think of market I think of Jim Campbell. I mean Jim has been a mainstay in the market since time began - well at least since the market began! Setting up, selling, taking down, putting away - the market could not function without Jim Campbell! Jim, I am so happy you are receiving this award - my heart is happy! You are so deserving of it and more! Congratulations!

I cannot confess to knowing all of the tasks that Jimmy does and has done for the TCC. Part of the reason for that is his quiet and unassuming nature, which I greatly respect. I am aware, however,  of his dependability for setting up and taking down tables at the TCC for markets and events as well as undertaking the job of looking after the 50/50 board at markets and being a consistent supporter of TCC events.  I’m sure others will be able to provide a long list of things he has done, but just as important is how he has done them; dependably, respectfully and always with courteousness and a smile. I also know that he makes the best blueberry muffins I have ever had. 

When we think of Taymouth and Community spirit and its people, Jim Campbell stands out. Jim is always busy! Looking after many of the necessary tasks associated with the Taymouth Community Center. Jim has been with Taymouth from youth to retirement and beyond. We know that many will note all the yummy baking he brings to the Saturday markets. He has been a Canadian Legion member for years, volunteering and supporting its many functions and fundraisers.which in turns support many communities. A friend to all! Well deserved award Jim, congratulations!

Jim's main focus is market and this year he volunteered to be the co-ordinator. He checks in with everyone in our vendor group during the week to see who is attending. He is always the first one there Saturday morning setting up tables. He also lends a helping hand to anyone that needs help bringing their totes in. When market is over, he is busy putting the tables away. Jim also looks after the Lotto board. He's alway willing to donate food for fundraisers. Good job, Jim. Thanks for all you do and Congratulations.

Jimmy Campbell, what can I say. In short, Mr all around nice guy, always generous with his time, always with a smile, and makes the best pies ever.

Jim is a hardworking volunteer for the TCA. Jim is at market for early set up on market days and one of the last to leave after clean up and storing of the tables. His awesome cooking is a major draw for many attending the market. Jim is very deserving of this award.

So there's  this guy who does a lot of things quietly behind the scenes. Like setting up tables for market week after week after week. And helping to put them all away when market is over. He has been quietly keeping communication lines open with all the market vendors making sure all know which dates markets are, whether it is going to be indoors or out and even whether the bridge is going to be open. I am suspicious that there are many things he does that I am unaware of because he does so quietly without fanfare. Hmmmm. I do know that he makes incredible baked goods and whenever you attend his stall he always asks how you are and your family. Quietly mind you. In our family it has become a tradition for special occasions to have one of his cakes or more likely, many of his pies. mYum. Last market season when I had a table for the Just Friends Food Bank, I was always late when I arrived. My table was always set up for me. Felt guilty about being late but very appreciative of whoever set up the table for me. Thank you so much! The donations for the food bank from the community were incredible. Every week this guy was one of the first to quietly drop donations at my table. You might be quiet, buddy, but we know who you are!

After the Taymouth School closed and residents began to miss the community hub it had been, Jim and Connie were among the early persons to envision how the school could become a community centre and locally owned ballfield and greenspace. I can still see Jim, Connie and Peter sitting in our living room, discussing how the community might make the decision to take on this project, through door to door fundraising for the $5,000 price tag the province had set, to test our seriousness.

The fundraising was a rapid and resounding success. Jim and Connie became founding members of the Taymouth market and their creativity and good business sense have contributed greatly to its success. Jim is known far and wide for his outstanding  baking. Whenever Peter's family visit, they ask ahead for one of Jim's famous pies; coconut cream is a favourite. Jim's creativity stretches well beyond the kitchen. Some of us remember the beautiful metal lanterns he crafted and sold at market. Others will have seen the outside metal fireplace he fashioned for his home. One time I boldly asked to borrow that fireplace for a summer camp for indigenous youth which took place in the woodland below our garden. Jim quietly said yes, loaded it in his vehicle and transported it to the site. Jim's support to neighbors and community is longstanding and unflagging. A most recent example is found in the packages of fundraiser cookies he sells at market to support community institutions, the latest being for the Taymouth Cemetery. Thank you, Jim, for all your contributions to our community's health and wellbeing.