James Batts Obituary

Batts
James Andrew
Batts
September 22, 1952
December 30, 2022

James Andrew Batts, 70, passed away on December 30, 2022 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. "Hamp" was born on September 22, 1952 in Fort Campbell, Kentucky to James and Lelea Batts. He was one of 7 children: Rapheal (Deidra) Batts, Audrey (Andrew) Batts-Fagon, Cheryl Batts, Vickie (Arnie) Wyche, Patsy (Jeffrey) Batts-Adams, and Kenneth Batts. He professed in Christ at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado under the leadership of the late Pastor W. Harvey. He attended Harrison High School and The International School of Cosmetology both in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
In his early adult years, he met Dessery Lawson-Caldwell of Colorado Springs, Colorado. They dated and fell in love and had a relationship for 12 years. During their relationship, they had two children. Later on, "Hamp" met Vanessa Monette of Suffolk, Virginia. They spent 30 years together and loved each other very much. Their greatest joy was their only child.
As a military family member, he traveled around the world: Germany, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Alaska, Kentucky, Missouri, Kansas and Arizona. In 1969, his family moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado to which they would call home.
James "Hamp" enjoyed his forty-plus year career in barbering and hairdressing. During his time as a hairstylist, Hamp was well-known in Colorado Springs and a favorite to many of his clients to whom he built great friendships and bonds with over the years. He also enjoyed cooking and spending time with his family and many friends. He was also a stellar athlete in high school participating in Track and Field and he excelled at pole vaulting. Hamp also enjoyed his grandchildren. His grandkids loved the quality time and undivided attention they received from him. "Hamp" loved having the kids watching his favorite Old Western Films and T.V. Shows and attending their birthdays and various sporting events. He also loved his dogs, "Bobo", "Butch" and "Caesar".
James "Hamp" was preceded in death by his loving parents, James Batts and Lelea Batts; brothers, Rapheal (Deidra) Batts and John Foster and sister, Patsy (Jeffrey) Batts-Adams.
He leaves to cherish his memory to his children, Anthony "Tony" Lawson; Maurice "Moe" (Jaqua) Lawson; Michael Hargrave and Monica Scott, all of Colorado Springs, Colorado; sisters, Audrey Batts-Fagon, Cheryl Batts and Vickie Wyche; 7 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren and a host of family members and friends.
The visitation will be held on January 17, 2023 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Angelus Chapel Funeral Directors and Crematory located at 1104 S. Circle Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910. The service will be held on January 18, 2023 at 11:00 am at Angelus Chapel Funeral Directors and Crematory. The interment will be held on January 18, 2023 at 1:30 pm at Evergreen Cemetery located at 1005 Hancock Expressway, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910. Repast will be right after the interment in Angelus Chapel Reception Hall.