BAKERSFIELD, CA - Joseph H. “Joe” Campbell, a respected farmer credited with helping build the Central Valley’s table grape industry, passed away on July 10 at age 81.

Campbell was closely involved in building Delano Farms into a major force in California grapes. Together with Four Star Fruit, in which he was a principal, the combined operation grew into one of the biggest players—if not the largest for a time—in one of the state’s signature industries, as reported by Bakersfield.com.

His associates and family remember him as a humble but ambitious man who prioritized his family while chasing the American dream.

“He was a great farmer. He really was,” said President Manuel Cunha of Nisei Farmers League. “He helped pioneer the table grape world.”

Campbell graduated from Delano High School in 1960 before going on to study at College of the Sequoias. Shortly after, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served for two years. Out of the military, he married the love of his life, Jana, with whom he raised three boys.

His career in farming started in 1969, first in cotton and wheat, which he grew through the 1970s. In the 1980s, he moved into almonds, and in 1986 Campbell leased his first vineyard.

Never a man to pass up a promising opportunity, Campbell took risks that some questioned at the time but which ultimately made a lasting mark on the industry.

“Joe was a visionary who was led by his own volition and certainty, basing his decision on common sense and trust in his own instincts,” his family said in a statement. “Although the life around him changed over time, his rugged individuality (and) do-it-yourself mentality derived from his childhood rendered a consistency that became advantageous for the people around him.”

His hard-driving work ethic could be disruptive, but it always came back to his love of family.

“Joe was ambitious, hardworking, and most importantly, a family man,” the family stated. “Joe was not just a man; he was an idea of how to be.”

President and CEO Ian LeMay of the California Table Grape Commission said the business the Campbell family has built, including through the continuing work of Joe Campbell’s sons, plays a prominent role in the industry.

“Anytime we lose someone like Joe, we bend our hearts,” LeMay said. He added that the commission sends its prayers and thoughts to the family, and also our gratitude for (Campbell’s) contributions to the industry.”

Campbell is survived by his wife Jana, son Byron and wife Carrol, Jack and wife Bonnie, Jeff and wife Addie, Jack Jr. and wife Nicole, Byron Jr. and wife Morgan, Blake and wife Maya, Grant and wife Sofia, Joseph, Bennett, Brady, Carsten, Christian, Jack III, London, Gianna, Ella, Goldie, Evelyn and Vivien.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive #900, Arlington, VA 22202; or Reflections for Women, P.O. Box 1557, Bakersfield, CA 93302.

We share our deepest condolences to all who had the honor of knowing this industry maven.