Still Restoring Even in Retirement

At the turn of the century, Local 6 Illinois member Jim Campbell retired as a union bricklayer. To celebrate, he decided to satisfy a desire that had been with him as long as he had been laying brick – purchasing and restoring a 1939 Ford 2-door deluxe.

Brother Campbell began his masonry career as a BAC member nearly 50 years ago in Rockford, Illinois at the age of 21. He became interested in bricklaying while dabbling in marble work. With that as a start, he spent the next 45 years traveling across the United States – anywhere the trade took him, including Texas, Chicago, and Wisconsin just to name a few. Campbell is very grateful to the Union for allowing him to be part of a union and trade that has brought him great satisfaction throughout his career. “Without my trade,” says Campbell, “I would not have been able to travel and see the country as I did. I’ve seen many places and met a number of interesting people.”

Jim Campbell, member of Local 6 IL, with his ’39 Ford.

In his retirement, and with his newly improved 1939 Ford, Brother Campbell can still travel – but now, in style. “I’m enjoying taking my ‘new’ car to nearby shows and spending time locally cruising around the neighborhood,” says Campbell. The car is mostly stock with one minor upgrade - a switchover to a 12-volt system from an original V8 engine. And the license plate, meant to be read as, “39 New Do” was another personalized touch he created.

Brother Campbell is proud of his accomplishments, but admits he couldn’t have done it all on his own. He credits Gene Morocco of The Old Car Shop for his hand in the restoration project, and “a few close friends” with helping him get the car on the road in the fall of 2003. “The car is running great,” Campbell says.

Editor’s note: Brother Campbell also appeared in the March/April 2000 edition of the Journal for his participation on a middle school project in Roscoe, Illinois.