James "Jim " Byron Hampton

Because his father worked for the railroad, Jim’s family moved often, usually to small western Texas towns near the tracks. He graduated from Marathon High School where he was the football quarterback and was voted homecoming king. He attended Sul Ross College.

Jim enlisted in the Air Force, became a pilot and spent his career in the military. He was honored with a bronze plaque because he was the first pilot to fly the Hercules130 10,000 miles.

He met Shirley in Palacios, TX., where she was a secondary school counselor, and he was a foreman at the nuclear plant. They dated for three years, Jim constantly reminding her he was a confirmed bachelor. That suited Shirley just fine as she was an independent widow.

A job opportunity arose in Houston for Shirley: she accepted it. Jim visited her often. Drew, Shirley’s son, was discharged from the Navy, and Diedre, her daughter, returned from college, so they moved into Shirley’s townhome. Then Jim proposed. So much for bachelorhood! They married in church with her two children attending. Then Jim moved in too. He suddenly had a family.

The Townhome was crowded. A place on Lake Conroe served as a retreat. Jim’s job as the manager of a rock crushing plant in Houston was unpleasant, so he resigned and spent most of his time at Lake Conroe. He learned carpentry and did odd jobs and built patios for their friends. He sold small items at craft shows and sidewalk sales. They still use a walnut bedroom chest and armoire, a pie safe and other pieces of furniture he made.

Jim lamented the fact he didn’t have an engineering degree. Shirley persuaded him to return to college and earn one. He graduated from A&M and his classmates presented him with a bottle of “Just for Men” hair color.

Shirley’s work became more and more stressful. Jim encouraged her to take early retirement. They didn’t want to stay in Houston, so began exploring other places. Both like the Hill Country which they had visited many times, so they lived there for 41 years.

When Jim’s health began to decline, he needed extra care. He wanted to go to the Veterans’ Home in Temple. After a six month wait, he was admitted.

Playing racquet ball, tennis, pickleball were his favorite sports: fishing when time allowed. He entered charity golf tournaments. Enjoyed watching college and pro football games. Was a member of the Monday night football group.

He attended the Church of Horseshoe Bay for twenty-four years where he volunteered as head usher, communion preparer, supervisor of religious based youth camps, painting and repairing them for summer sessions; a Rotarian, past POA president of two different subdivisions, Highland Lakes A&M Club, VFW and The Business Alliance. He was also a member of the Walnut Methodist Church at Round Mountain.

His survivors include his wife of 43 years, Shirley; stepson, Drew Smith and wife, Kirsten, their children and grandchildren: stepdaughter, Diedre: a niece, two nephews and their families.

At his request, no services are planned.