BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – It’s uncommon to find a homegrown resident who relishes a behind-the-scenes role in running his hometown, but that’s exactly what we found with James Hampton, the first WVVA Hometown Hero for October 2024.
Hampton was born and raised where he works, at the western edge of the Tazewell County town of Bluefield.
The 57-year-old has worked in a variety of roles for the Town of Bluefield for more than 30 years. Right now, Hampton has returned to work for the town, after a brief retirement, to fill the role of Assistant Town Manager and Transit Manager. It’s a former transit worker, Ryan Perkin, who submitted Hampton’s nomination, “I nominated James because of all the work he does for the town and the long hours that he works. He even works when he goes on vacation. So I think he really deserves to be nominated,” Perkins said with a smile, when told his nomination was selected.
Hampton was humble about his selection, giving credit to his longevity and success on the job to his faith, as well as the others who work for the the town, “I’m… I do not consider myself a hero. I serve a mighty God and I give him all the praise for everything. I love my town and I love to serve. I’m called by God to serve,” said Hampton.
He adds throughout all his years working for the town, Hampton says he can’t really recall any bad days at the office. Because he genuinely feels every day is a good day because his co-workers are more like his kin, than colleagues.
“To me all days are good, I mean it’s been a joy to work for this town because we have a lot of great employees here. We’re like a family and I give everyone around me all the praise because they’re the ones who make me who I am,” said Hampton.
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