A World War II Navy sailor is finally being laid to rest after being considered missing in action for more than 80 years. Modern technology and DNA testing made it possible — and his only known family members are right here in Jacksonville.
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– A World War II Navy sailor is finally being laid to rest after being listed as missing in action for more than 80 years. Modern technology — including DNA testing — made it possible. His only known family members are right here in the Jacksonville area. Edward Campbell, who lives in Clay County with his daughter, Tina Carmona, received an unexpected call from the Navy a few months ago.“They got in contact with me,” Edward said. “They said, ‘We’re going to send you a DNA test. If you’ll take that and get it back to us, we want to verify who you are.’” It was a match. Edward is the nephew of Navy Sailor John Campbell, who was held as a prisoner of war during World War II. According to the Navy, his remains were found at Camp Cabanatuan in the Philippines. “It was kind of unbelievable,” Edward said. “I didn’t realize that I had a relative like that, and I didn’t know he died in a POW camp.”, a submarine tender operating in the Philippines during World War II. He was captured by the Japanese in the early 1940s after the ship was scuttled and sailors were moved ashore. Family members and the Navy believe he likely took part in the Bataan Death March — a forced march of more than 75,000 prisoners over roughly 65 miles to prison camps in the Philippines. In an unexpected twist, Edward served in the Navy for 23 years — including significant time in the Philippines — without knowing his family’s connection to the region.John Campbell’s mother, Margaret Campbell, never stopped searching for her son. Several letters were sent by the American Legion on her behalf to the Department of War, requesting information and the return of his remains.Even with the closure his remains bring, much about John Campbell’s life is still a mystery to his family. “We don’t know anything about him — like why he joined,” said Tina Carmona, Edward’s daughter. Asked about other surviving relatives, she added, “There’s one cousin, but I don’t know who he is.”John Campbell will be buried in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, on Monday, March 30 — next to his mother, fulfilling her decades-long wish. “I’m glad they recovered his remains,” Edward said, “and I’m glad he’s going to be buried with his mother.”Andrea Snody joined the News4JAX team in February 2026 as a reporter on The Morning Show and a multimedia journalist, covering all things military here in Jacksonville.St. Augustine replacing downtown parking kiosks with cashless touchscreensHundreds participate in Jacksonville ‘No Kings’ rally against Trump administrationFlagler College students protest housing policy as seniors cite affordability, availability concernsGAME DAY ⚾🦐 The defending Triple-A National Champion Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp returnShould an HOA or property management company be required to post parking rules for visitors?Fights erupt at Palatka Junior-Senior High after field trip focused on mental healthMother of teen punched during arrest says officer went too far⚾️ Opening Day + perfect weather=the ultimate Friday night in JaxStudy finds most ‘Mayport Shrimp’ dishes served in Jacksonville area are actually importedNew ‘larger format’ Publix store in SilverLeaf features wine bar, expanded deli menu, custom pizzasFamily of A’hmari Robinson shares stories at candlelight vigil days after his deathGetting ready for the next GROW ROUND! Tower Garden maintenance...
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