James Hampton Obituary

James (Jim) R. Hampton, 81, of Smyrna, Delaware passed away after a short battle with late stage cancer. He was being cared for by his daughters Linda Wadolny and Jennifer Jarman who surrounded him with love until his time came to join his wife, Linda L. Hampton who passed in 2020.
He was born on 7/7/1943 to George and Edna Hampton in Chester, Pennsylvania.
Jim is survived by his daughters & Son-in-laws Linda (Alex) Wadolny, Jennifer (Scott) Jarman, 4 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, his sister Edna Williamson and many nieces and nephews.
Jim married Linda (Webb) Hampton on 6/8/1965. They bought a home in Claymont, Delaware where they raised their daughters Linda Lee and Jennifer Jean, until 1990 when they bought their dream home in Smyrna, Delaware. Jim wore many hats in his life's careers, from a top notch waiter at the Longhorn Ranch in the early 60's, to the Shipyards, to the first cable TV company in Delaware, Rollins Cable Television. From there he started his own cable television, audio video company, Starview Cable. Satellite dishes, Cable TV headends, Audio and Video, wiring and fiber optics servicing Commercial and Residential areas including local Colleges, School Districts, Retirement & Nursing homes and apartment complexes. He then accepted a full time permanent position at Widener University in the media department until he retired in 2017, though he continued to run their cable TV head end and assist with Commencement media production and IT.
Jim's lifelong hobbies included Ham Radio, RC air planes, photography, camping and traveling, music and "putzing" in the garage. He enjoyed his family and friends and talking shop. His sense of humor and a twinkle of awnryness in his eyes kept us laughing and allowed him to make fast friends wherever he went. He was well respected in his career and by his peers. He was a dedicated father who made sure his daughters knew how to change a tire, oil, read a map, drive a stick shift, work hard and earn your way. He was always there when you needed him. He was always ready to help, whether to lend a couple "sheckles" (cash) as he called it, lend a vehicle or a ride or come fix whatever appliance or home repair we needed help with. He knew everything about everything. Jim also had a love of cats. We nicknamed him "Catmandoo". He took care of strays wherever they may cross his path at home, at work as well as the many that were lucky enough to call his home their permanent residence. His favorite hobby was being late. He took being late to new levels, a true art form. Everyone lovingly referred to it as Eastern Standard Time and Hampton Time. This barely scratches the surface of who Jim, Jimmy, Master James, Dad, Daddy, Papa Bear, Poppy and Jimbo was. He was so loved and will be greatly missed.
Jim's wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at his Smyrna home on Sunday September 15th 2024 at 2pm. Please contact Linda Wadolny at 302-540-5636 or Jennifer Jarman at 302-531-7666 for further information.
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