James Wesley Hampton

James Wesley Hampton was born September 30, 1936, to Charles and Lucille Hampton, in Memphis, Tennessee.  He died on August 28, 2021 in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

James began his early years in Osceola, Arkansas.  Although he was an only child, he had a loving family and twin cousins who he loved like brothers.  James and “both boys,” as he lovingly called them, were inseparable during their younger years.  James had a love for airplanes, but never got to fulfill his dream of going into the military.  He was stricken with polio as a teenager.  After surgeries, therapy and rehab, the tenacious young man fought back hard.  He went on to life guard, play football, and help his father, the city engineer survey Arkansas and Kansas.  He attended Arkansas State after his high school graduation and received several training certificates.  

Later, James moved to West Memphis, Arkansas.  When James met Lois, he was employed by a fireworks company, driving explosives. They met on a blind date and the rest is history. June 30, 1961 was the beautiful wedding of two devoted people.  Lois and James loved to dance.  In the early years of their marriage square dancing was a regular Friday night family activity.  Dancing together verbally or on foot made their marriage stronger.  In later years they purchased an organ and took lessons.  James had great fun entertaining family and friends with his skill and special effects.

James was employed in the early years of marriage  with General Electric lamp company in Memphis.  He would later take a risk’ and buy a service station, manage a station on Union Ave. in Memphis, buy a country store in Ravenden, Arkansas, then settle for his later years in Fort Walton Beach, Fl.  James skills led him to many types of employment.    One of his favorite was a supervisory position at Steam Boat Landing Condominiums, in Fort Walton. 

Throughout his life James loved to fish and water ski.  He arranged  family adventures that included camping and fishing, memories everyone could treasure.

Mr. Hampton was honored to serve as an elder and enjoyed  worshipping with his church family at Grace Church in Fort Walton Beach.  

James was a man who did not meet strangers and acknowledged children with a loving chuckle.  His kind eyes and dimples made you feel accepted readily.  He loved Lois, his children and grandchildren fiercely.  He taught them to love God, the out of doors, and how to laugh.  His joy cup was mostly full. 

Lois and James celebrated an amazing life together.  2021 had its challenges but they faced them together, achieved the goal of 60 plus years and transitioned into their heavenly bodies four days apart.

Although he did not serve in the United States military he encouraged others to support the armed forces and protect the freedom God has given us.  God employed James Hampton in the army of God. Ephesians 6 speaks of Gods armor.  This wonderful husband and father put on the armor of God and stood for truth.

James Hampton is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Lucille Hampton, son Jerry Warren Hampton.  He is survived by his daughter Alisa Hampton Moore, son in law Robert Moore, granddaughter Lorrie Fowler and husband Isaac Fowler, Great grandsons, Asher James Fowler, Caleb Paxton Fowler, Micah Zachery Fowler.

There will be a graveside service at Memphis Memory Gardens on September 11, 2021 at 10:00 AM.  

Thank you to the many friends and family who gave them the freedom to stay together and finish the race.