State Web Site

Military Service: Marines

War(s) Served:  World War II

JACK M. CAMPBELL was born in Hutchinson, Kansas, on September 10, 1916. His education was attained at Washburn College, where he earned an undergraduate degree in 1938 and an L.L.B degree in 1940. During World War II he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. After his military service, he established his legal career in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as well as working as an agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Campbell first entered politics as a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives, where he served from 1955 to 1962, the last two years as Speaker. He also chaired the Legislative Council in 1962. Campbell next secured the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, and was elected governor by popular vote on November 6, 1962. He was reelected to a second term in 1964. During his tenure, programs for the mentally ill were advanced; a highway beautification act was sanctioned; the Rio Grande bridge was built; and a state science adviser was appointed. After completing his term, Campbell served as a member of the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board of Atomic Energy Commission, a post he held from 1967 to 1971. In 1969 he served as president of the Federation of Rocky Mountain States; and in 1973 he served as a member of National Atomic Energy Space Applications Board. Governor Jack M. Campbell passed away on June 14, 199 in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Sources:

The Albuquerque Journal

Governor Jack M. Campbell Papers, 1963-1966 (official and private papers)

* Governor Jack M. Campbell Photograph Collection

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 3, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

South Coast Today

The University of New Mexico

* Finding aid available at New Mexico Commission of Public Records.

For more information please contact the New Mexico State Archives at 505-476-7948 or archives@state.nm.us.