The retired Col. James Hampton, United States Army, died on Nov. 11, 2025, in Lampasas at the age of 85. He was born on July 13, 1940, in Hollywood, California.
Col. Hampton began his long military career when he joined the California National Guard on Oct. 23, 1959. Demonstrating leadership and dedication, he rose to the rank of staff sergeant by 1964. After completing Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in June 1966.
In March 1968, his unit -- the 1st Squadron, 18th Armored Cavalry -- was activated, and he was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington. The following year, in January 1969, he was deployed to the Republic of Vietnam, where he served with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment.
In November 1969, he was severely wounded in combat, resulting in the loss of sight in his right eye and earning him the Purple Heart for his bravery and sacrifice.
After spending six months recovering at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, California, he was scheduled for medical discharge. However, he successfully petitioned the Army to remain on active duty and prevailed after multiple Physical Evaluation Board hearings. He went on to serve with the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment in Germany.
Over the course of his career, Col. Hampton commanded at the platoon, company and battalion levels, and he held numerous staff and instructor positions. He frequently was assigned to temporary duty overseas, particularly in Asia, where he served as a foreign area specialist in training and operations. His final assignment was with the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command at Fort Hood, Texas, where he served with distinction until his retirement on Nov. 1, 1991.
After his retirement, Col. Hampton became a member of the Lometa community. He served for several years as post commander of American Legion Post 116 in Lometa until health issues required his resignation. He also served as head of the Safety Committee at First Baptist Church in Lometa.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Hampton of Lometa; children Joe Hampton of Cocoa, Florida, Sally Frescia of Melbourne, Florida, Amanda Hart (husband Darren) of Plano, Texas, and Robin Sturtevant (husband Erik) of Abilene, Texas; grandchildren Zackary Sturtevant, Timothy Sturtevant and Isabella Hart; and his brother, Jesse Steven Hampton of Oxnard, California.
A celebration of his life will take place at First Baptist Church in Lometa on Nov. 29 at 11 a.m. Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel has charge of arrangements.
