Prominent, beloved skin doctor dies unexpectedly at 53

Dr. James Campbell (Courtesy photo)

DOVER, N.H. - Dr. James Campbell of Dover's Dermatology & Skin Health, a renowned skin doctor, philanthropist and passionate Red Sox fan, died unexpectedly in his sleep on Sunday, according to a press release from the practice.

Campbell, 53, founded Dermatology & Skin Health in 2001 and co-founded the Skin Health Medi-Spa in 2005.

He formerly had his practice in Somersworth for several years.

He spent much of his free time volunteering for organizations such as Casting for Recovery and the Annual MS Challenge Walk with the "Minion Milers," a team based on the "Despicable Me" movies.

In 2014, he co-founded his nonprofit, Make Big Change, to raise awareness about skin cancer and proper skin health.

Campbell, a two-time melanoma survivor, was also an avid fly fisherman and Red Sox fan. His offices were strewn with Red Sox memorabilia, some of it extremely rare, and he had been looking forward to going to the home opener on Monday. Blessed with a dry yet gentle sense of humor, Campbell was known for always making his patients feel at ease.

He was born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1962 and attended Dartmouth College for his doctorate. He moved to Dover in 1999 and opened up the current practice across from Wentworth Douglass hospital in 2003. He is survived by his daughter, Sarah, and son, Jonathon.

In lieu of flowers, community members are invited to donate to the James L. Campbell "Making Big Change" fund, which will be used to actively serve the initiatives he was most passionate about.

For more information, or to donate to the fund, contact Dermatology & Skin Health Practice Administrator Laurie Seavey at (603) 674-8156 or l.seavey@dermskinhealth.com.