Apostle James Alvesta Hampton

The Story of Apostle James Hampton…

Entrepreneur, Leader, Servant of God, and Family Man 

On October 10, 1948, in Washington, D. C., Apostle James Alvesta Hampton was born to the late Elder Joshua A. Hampton, Sr. and Sis. Catherine Tate Hampton. He had an amazing life for 75 years,11 months and five days. His life as a youth was non-traditional because his dad was a “Pastor” whose journey took him to many places. He graduated from Coolidge High School while in Washington, D.C. His dad’s journey included that of Pastor of Norfolk #1 United House of Prayer for All People. In Norfolk, he met the love of his life, Connie Wynn, and decided that his travels with his dad would end there. His passion for Connie turned into a celebration of 52 years of marriage. It was in Norfolk that he pursued a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Norfolk State University.

Entrepreneur: At the age of 7, he would go to the neighborhood grocery store with his wagon and earn tips by carrying groceries for ladies. While in Coolidge High School, he participated in a work program that allowed students to work at nearby businesses for a small paycheck plus tips. In the process, he learned valuable workmanship skills. Over the years, he pursued several business ventures, including the owner of a Snack Vending Machine business and the owner of a Vending Arcade Game Business, “J & C Good Times,” in Portsmouth.

Leader: After returning safely from being drafted to serve with the U.S. Army in Vietnam, he became a “shaker and mover.” His career began as a Warehouse Manager at Norfolk State University, followed by a long career as a civilian at the Naval Base Norfolk in a Supply leadership position. His leadership abilities with the Army/National Guard ROTC resulted in him being called up to active duty at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., where he was elevated to the position of Full Colonel. At Norfolk State University, you can find his picture on their ROTC Hall of Fame Wall. For his Chesapeake Georgetown Community, he led the neighborhood fight in a court battle against the Dominion Energy gas company, which had started laying gas pipelines in the community without proper notification.  The Court ruled in the community’s favor. Wow!

God’s Servant: He truly loved working in the United House of Prayer and became a member of Burton, our Virginia Beach Church.  In the early years, he was very active with the shout band. It was under the late Sweet Daddy McCollough that he answered the call to become an Elder. He was later elevated to an Apostle by our late leader, Sweet Daddy Bailey. He supported the financial works in “all” aspects and rejoiced when Burton became the Championship House in the State of Virginia. In Burton, he served as a Bible Study Teacher on Wednesday nights and as a 3:00 P.M. Sunday Service Minister until he became ill. 

Family Man: He loved his family and was so very, very happy when his daughter, Tiffany, and son-in-law, Carl, blessed him with twin granddaughters, Morghan and Brooklyn, late in his life. We can’t forget his passion for luxury cars (Cadillacs, Mercedes-Benzs, Jaguars, Lincoln Continentals, Toyotas, and Range Rovers).  He didn’t just love them, he bought them, sometimes having four or more at the same time. We had so many good times with him when he would share his vacation timeshare homes with his extended family. He was the family cook and spoiled his wife, Connie, with prepared meals.

He is predeceased by his father, mother, three special moms (Phern, Annie, and Martine), brother Kilvin, and sister Geraldine. He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, daughter, sister, Sandra Smothers (Charles), brothers, Joshua (Thelma), Nathan Mizzell (Terri), and Norman Mizzell, and special sisters Alverta, Corrine, Arnetta and Inez.

We will miss him, but our love for him will live on forever.

Lovingly, the family.