Life Member. Alto/Tenor Saxophone
12/5/1927 – 8/27/2025

James Hampton was born to Joe and Fredonia Hampton in Memphis, Tennessee December 5, 1927. The last surviving sibling of five (Joseph, Edna Earl, Mary and Mildred Hampton), he lived a long life filled with many joyful events and love. A brief look into his life is as follows:

A veteran who served in WW2, he always remembered to take care of his parents by sending $32 a month of his allotment while he was in the army.

The love of music brought him to compose music, play the cello, soprano and tenor sax. He went by the name Hamp and played in several big bands and was a member of the Musicians Union AFM Local 47. That same love and being good at his craft brought him to play with the likes of Mahalia Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and the Count Basie Orchestra, amongst other musicians.

While playing in Chicago he met and married the woman he adored, Pearline Johnson, on April 2, 1955. He welcomed two more loves into their lives when they had their daughters Debora Denise and Terri Lynn. Hamp chose family over career, and although he continued playing in clubs over the next 60 years, his focus was always family.

He had many fond memories that he talked about which included those on the farm with his mother, which is possibly the reason he always said, “If you don’t eat chicken you’re not living.” His secret to longevity he always said was a breakfast of grits, eggs, toast and coffee. He beamed many times when talking about his wedding day where they had a full 125-piece orchestra.

He leaves behind a loud silence and a hole in our hearts. He was a protector for many and always made you smile and laugh.

James is survived by his wife of 70 years, Pearline; two daughters Debora Chai and Teri Lynn; his granddaughter Danerey; and great-nephew Jamaal, amongst many other great-great nieces and nephews.

We look forward to the Bible’s promise in John 5:28, 29 which says in part, “Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life…”

If you wish to attend the funeral on Saturday, October 4, 2025 in person or via videoconference please call/text (661) 501-4425 or email james.ed.hampton@gmail.com for more details.