James Hemphill, Jr.

Please see scheduled service date and times below. 

ON WINGS TO HEAVEN

James Charles Hemphill Jr. (Bird) was born on November 03, 1956, in McNary, Arizona to the union of James Charles Hemphill Sr. and Ivery Arnita Harris (Hemphill). He was the eldest of this Union. His mother taught him that with hard work, he could achieve anything he wanted in life, and this belief shaped his journey.

At the young age of three, James lost use of his sight within his left eye, yet because of his mother’s love and encouragement, he never went about his life as if he had a limitation, handicap, or disability.

He committed to his faith early in life and, during his time at the Salvation Army Broadway Youth and Family Center, was actively involved in various youth and religious programs. He attended 40th Street School around the neighborhood of Okemah until it closed due to desegregation. He then attended various other schools within the South Phoenix area, to include Palmdale, T.G. Barr, Percy L. Julian, and eventually landing at Roosevelt Elementary School in the 5th grade as a member of a small group of minorities, who were bussed to Roosevelt, again in pursuit of state desegregation. 

At school, James joined many sports and never let his limited vision stop him. He earned and held a Black Belt in Martial Arts. He also learned during school that he had a talent for numbers and he loved getting paid.

At a young age, he took on the role of “man of the house, assuming personal responsibility of caring for and protecting his mother and younger brother. He held several part-time positions before becoming a Night Manager at Jack-in-the-Box when he was sixteen.  He then worked at a Drug store, before securing a position as a Teller trainee at a Bank. Once around numbers and money, he excelled, quickly rising within the banking system successfully holding multiple positions to include Teller, Teller Trainer, Auto and Real Estate Loan Officer, and eventually a Branch Manager. His passion however was in Real Estate, where he served as a Mortgage Intake Specialist, specializing in Underwriting and obtaining the designation as a Real Estate Designated Endorser. He used his position to help numerous family members and friends by offering instruction and guidance on home ownership. He concluded his career in the Banking System as an Underwriter, where he was also tasked with training many underwriters throughout the state.

During his tenure at the Bank, James established and managed several businesses designed specifically to create employment opportunities for his family members. He was sole proprietor of Jim’s Tuxedo Shop and part-owner of Scottsdale Liquors with his Uncle W.J. Harris.

Those who knew “Bird,” as he was affectionately called due to his small facial features, remember him as an outgoing, fun-loving, lively, confident, assertive, and dedicated person—someone driven who cherished his family, delighted in gatherings, and loved to dance.

James passed away after his parents, Ivery Arnita Harris and James Charles Hemphill, Sr., brothers Wayne Ronald Wright and Andrew Hemphill, and several devoted relatives. He leaves to continue his legacy his daughter, Jaime Charlene Hemphill, son Adam Scott, as well as four Grandchildren and four Great Grandchildren. 

He also leaves to cherish his memory, his spouse, Rosa Reyes Williams and his brother, Robert Lee Hemphill.

In celebrating James (Bird’s) life we honor his memory and the impact he had on all who met him. We will always remember him, and he will hold a special place in our hearts forever.

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