James “Rick” Hampton November 26, 1951 - October 3, 2020

James “Rick” Hampton of Brinkley passed away at his home at the age of 68. A son of James and Helen (Clay) Hampton, he was born in Blytheville. Rick grew up near Helena and in time became a 1970 graduate of Central High School and 1975 graduate of Arkansas Tech in Russellville.

Rick met Judith Tacker during his tenure as football coach at DeValls Bluff and after a time of courtship, they were married May 21, 1976. They first lived in Mt. Home, where he coached for ten years and then in Elaine and Perryville. In1983 they moved to Brinkley and have remained. He was a member of Brinkley First Baptist Church.

For a time, he served as an agent for Rice Growers Insurance in Brinkley and then began a full-time operation in farming. His enthusiasm and dedication as an avid duck hunter brought recognition for his handmade duck calls. Rick said he grew up with a duck call in his mouth and killed his first mallard at age 5. He partnered with Drexel Helm and opened Wildwood Duck Club and later enjoyed working as host and guide through ownership of his commercial endeavor, Two Rivers Duck Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Helen Hampton; two brothers, David Hampton and Kris Hampton. Surviving family members include his wife, Judith Hampton of Brinkley; three sons, Grant Hampton and wife, Lisa, of Brinkley, Seth Hampton and wife, Mary-Tipton and Shane Hampton, all of Little Rock; one sister, Debbie Pauchert and husband, Eddie of Texas.

Graveside services were October 7 at the Oakland Cemetery in DeValls Bluff by Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home in Brinkley.