Jim was born in 1955 to Evelyn and the late Gerald Campbell. He is the youngest of four children, sister Linda and brothers Mike and Gary. Jim was raised on a dairy farm in Sarona, Wisconsin. He attended the Spooner School schools where he began wrestling in the ninth grade. Jim was one of the first Spooner High school wrestlers to qualify for the State Tournament. Jim Dohm was Campbell's high school coach.
After high school, Jim went on the UW-Superior where he wrestled for legendary head coach Mertz Mortorelli. He was also a graduate assistant coach for One year.
In the school year 1978-79, Jim became Athletic Director, PE/HE Teacher, Head Wrestling Coach, Assistant Football Coach, and Assistant Baseball Coach at Shell Lake High School. He handled these duties for 15 years. Since then, he has continued as Athletic Director and Head Wrestling Coach. He also continues to help with football and baseball.
Working with Paul Naglosky, Jim established a K-8 wrestling program in Shell Lake. Terry Reynolds, coming into the program in the early 1990's was also a big factor in the success of Shell Lake's program.
The Shell Lake High School wrestling team under the direction of Jim has enjoyed much success. Along those lines, they have a dual meet record of 226-85-4, numerous conference, regional, and sectional titles as well as a State Championship in 1988. Campbell has been named State Coach of the year in 1988 and again in 2005.
Jim and his wife Joni have three children-son Cory and daughters Taree and Kali. He credits his family including mother Evelyn (father was deceased when Jim was a senior in college) for much of his success and instilling in him a strong desire to excel in all things that he does. This last trait is very evident in the many accomplishments and endeavors Jim has made outside of the sport of wrestling.