James Hampton, Jr., 70 of Austin, Texas was born March 15, 1950 in Toledo, Ohio to the union of James Hampton Bey and Vivian Hawkins. James passed away at home peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, August 20, 2020.
After high school James joined the US Army in 1969 where he received training and became an Aircraft Fire Control Repairer and Helicopter Weapons System Repairman. He also completed courses dealing with Aircraft Armament and Inspection. James received the awards while serving in the Army, the Army Commendation Medal; Good Conduct Medal Silver – 1 Loop; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal w/3 Bronze Service Stars; Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon Numeral 3; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; and the Senior Aircraft Crewman Badge.
After Army Basic Training James returned to Toledo in order to marry his High School Sweetheart Vernita Welch on June 2, 1969 of which to this union one son was born James Joseph Hampton who preceded James in death in 1997. After a period of separation James and Vernita remarried on May 7, 2013 due to undying love and commitment to each other. In 1975 James and Vernita were given custody of Gilbert Ray Bennett and raised him as their own son.
James loved God and had a personal relationship with Him attending church when he could until his health failed. James had a private and special communication with God and he talked to Him regularly.
James is survived by his loving wife, Vernita Hampton of Austin, Texas, his sons Gilbert R. (Ashley) Bennett of Vancouver, Washington; Duran E. Hampton of Metter Georgia; his sisters Debbie (Reggie) McElrod of Detroit, Michigan, Christine Smith of Alton Illinois; one brother George (Poncho) Cleveland of Toledo, Ohio; his grandsons, TeRay Johnson of Austin, Texas; Dominque and Gabriel Bennett of Austin, Texas; four great-granddaughters and a host of nieces, nephews and other loving relatives and kind friends.
