HMC James C. Hampton, USN-RET

ROCKY MOUNT - HMC James C. Hampton, USN-RET, age 81, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 after many months of declining health. Born in Cumberland, KY on October 11, 1935, he was the son of the late Curtis Hampton and Mable Fields Hampton. After graduating high school in Louisville, KY; he entered the Navy becoming a Hospital Corpsman. He served during Korea and Vietnam (three tours) and other countries receiving numerous medals and commendations. After 28 years of combined Active and Fleet Reserve he entered into shopping center management which took him from the west coast to Iowa, Tennessee, Louisiana, and North Carolina. He held both real estate and brokers licenses, also trained in driving big rigs and drove for various companies. He survived esophageal stomach cancer, diabetes, major heart surgeries and later a stroke which affected his right side. He was a FRA and NRA member for life. Jim was our energizing bunny and in addition to his parents, brother David of California preceded him in death. Jim leaves behind to cherish his memory, wife of two days shy of 37 years, Wendy Hampton; daughter, Robin M. Bailey and husband, Stephen and granddaughter, Madelyn of Sylva, NC; daughter, Lori and son, Curt; brother, Donald R. Hampton and wife, Helen, of Tennessee; and faithful fur son, Zigfield Elroy. Despite dealing with declining health, he maintained his feisty personality and lived life to the fullest. A Celebration of Jims Life will be held for the family at a future date. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Donald Bales, Dr. Holland, Dr. Varma and Phyllis Hayes (cardiology) of Boice Willis Clinic who cared for James through the years. The family is forever grateful to Dr. Boyette and staff of Hospice UNC Health Care, Hospice nurses: Shelly Rhodes RN, Chanequa, Latisha, Kiki, Sabrina; nurses and staff of Nash Health Care ER and floors 3 and 5. Special thanks to Mary Kay Darden, Pastor Keith Griffin, Debbie Stilley and Lynn Bradshaw RN. A fleet of Gods angels took this sailor home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, 4200 Morganton Road, #300, Fayetteville, NC 28314. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.