James Riley Campbell

October 10, 2024

Riley Campbell, 25, passed from this life on October 10, 2024 in Towson, MD. He was the beloved son of Donald Campbell and his wife Sonya of Bradenton, FL, and the late Karen Riley-Campbell of Willis, TX. Surviving in addition to his dad and step-mom are his step-sister, Jacqueline Zoppo of Sarasota, FL and his step-brother, Jake Zoppo of Baltimore, MD, his paternal Grannie, Annette Campbell of Abilene, TX, and his maternal Nana, Margaret Riley of Pearland, TX, his paternal Aunt, Donna (Dinky) Kay Campbell of Abilene, TX and his maternal Aunt and Uncle, Kim (Fifi) and Charlie Armstrong of Friendswood, TX, as well as his maternal cousins, Austin Armstrong, Sydney Armstrong Kiatta of Friendswood, TX, and many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Grandparents from his step-mom's family in Stewartstown, PA and Harford County, MD areas who loved him dearly. He is predeceased by his paternal Grandfather, Donald Campbell, Sr. and his maternal Grandfather, James S. Riley, Jr., his namesake.

Riley was born in Richmond, Virginia on January 14, 1999. He resided in Elkridge, MD until relocating to Pearland, TX with his mom when he was 10. He attended Hill Country School in Austin, TX and graduated from Texas Tech University in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wind Energy. He relocated back to Towson, MD in May 2024 to start his career as an Area Manager at Amazon in Sparrows Point, MD in July 2024.

In his younger years, Riley loved to build Legos with his dad, and he had a special love for his dog, Kaiser, and his cat, Holstein, who predeceased him, and his cat, Manny, who still resides with his Nana. He was an avid book reader and a science and history buff. He also loved visiting museums with his dad and enjoyed learning everything to do with the Civil and World Wars. He was a member of the Latin Club at Hill Country School and attended many competitions statewide. He learned to scuba dive and dove with his mom in Mexico and the Florida Keys. During his teen years, he worked at Lake Travis in Austin, TX. He enjoyed spending time with his mom and her family at their deer lease in Llano, TX. He loved being a Texan and proudly represented himself in his Texas plaids, jeans and boots. He was a huge gamer and had a deep appreciation for reading and collecting Anime while he was in college and was an active member of the TTU MEK Anime Club. Riley also had a deep admiration and love for country music, and two years ago, he became the proud owner of his Grannie's vinyl record collection and record player.

Riley was excited to return to Maryland earlier this year so he could be close to his brother, Jake, Uncle Shawn Corsello, and his cousins, Zoe and Cody, and to be able to visit the museums in Baltimore and DC. We were Blessed to be able to create some fond memories together in the recent months in Maryland and in Florida, and thankful that Riley was able to reconnect with his dear friend Emily from grade school and share warm memories with her as well. He was a bit of an old soul with an incredible and beautiful mind. More than anything, over the past four years, his cats Waylon and Willie, were the joy of his life and brought him so much peace and happiness.

Riley did not want a funeral or a service. Our family will honor his wish to spread his ashes in the Red Dirt of West Texas privately in the future. His sister Jacqueline has taken in his cats and will love them as much as he did. In his memory, we have created a Waylon and Willie cat fund and will accept donations via Zelle at 410.303.1049 (Sonya Campbell), or via Venmo @Sonya-Campbell-6 for continued care for his cats.

Riley's Peace will be our Strength…