Obituary of James "Jim" Edward Wright

Angels escorted James “Jim” Edward Wright home to Jesus on Thursday, May 30^th, 2024, at the age of 80. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Edna (Walters) Wright; brother, William Wright; and sister, Marianna Hackbarth. Left to cherish Jim’s memory is his dear bride Lois “Dee” (Munn) Wright. Jim and Dee became one in marriage nearly 60 years ago and their love for each other grew immensely over these many years. They became a cornerstone of love and strength for the family for generations. Jim also leaves his sons, Edward J. “Ed” Wright (Shellye), Robert D. “Bob” Wright (Stacy); daughter, Deanna L. “Sis” Newcomb (Randy); brothers, Walter Wright (Carole), Michael Wright, John Wright; sister, Martha Allen (Tom); sister in law, Jan Wright; grandchildren, Brad Duke (Stuart), Elizabeth Wright, Adam Wright (Hannah), Alan Newcomb, Daniel Newcomb, Rebecca Chamberlain (Ethan), Joseph Wright; great grandchildren, Eden Wright and Eliana Wright; and countless family and friends who remain blessed by Jim’s life

Jim was born in Texas but grew up living on the family farm in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. He worked in the fields, planting and harvesting, along with milking cows and doing other chores and often making mischief around the farm. Jim attended Mt. Pleasant school from first through the third grade, before moving to a one-room schoolhouse called Greenwood Elementary for fourth through eighth grade. Jim then attended Mt. Pleasant High School, where he sang in the Glee Club and Mixed Chorus, played freshman football, and even drove a school bus from tenth grade until graduating. He said that if he was going to school, he might as well get paid for it. Following high school graduation, Jim began working for Kenny Hillman in Mt. Pleasant, running bulldozers. He then moved on to carpentry work for Loren Hardenburg in Baxter, Iowa, before finding work as a cabinet maker for the Army Ordinance Plant in Mt. Pleasant. In 1971, Jim moved his young family of five to Houston, Texas, where his work ethic was once again on display. He found work his first day in town framing houses for Perry Homes. Jim then worked for Modern Patterns hand crafting wooden patterns for cast iron manufacturing. He then shifted from working with wood to steel, working at Texas Gear before he finally moved to Gates Machine Tool Repair for the final 27 years of his career until he retired in 2008. Jim always gave every employer his very best and developed a reputation as the “best in the business” with his attention to detail and high-quality work and never missed a chance to teach and help others do the same.

Jim’s faith in the Lord flourished at Cokesbury United Methodist Church in Houston, where he grew his faith and served the church as he often did in fellowship with other members. In Pearland, Texas, Jim became a member of the First United Methodist Church of Pearland. He was a faithful member and enjoyed serving the church community for over 20 years. Jim helped design and build countless woodworking projects that can be found in literally every room of the church. In 2023, Jim became an active member of Redeemer Church in Manvel, Texas where he and Dee attended until his passing.

In his free time, Jim enjoyed reading, traveling, and spending time with family, friends, and especially with his grandchildren. Jim was known to linger at the dinner table as long as everyone would stay – often for hours. He was an avid outdoorsman as well, who enjoyed hunting and fishing.  Jim and Dee loved to travel and their favorite trips were cruises. They logged 22 cruises, traveling the world over, with his favorites being those to Alaskan.  Jim was also blessed to be able to take several trips with his entire family, and never missed events like weddings, graduations, births and other life events for his children and grandchildren. He devoted countless hours of service to anything and everything his family was involved in as well. Including, serving as President of a Softball Association, President of the YMCA Indian Princesses, and as an active member of the Lions Club. Jim’s legacy will always be rooted in his work ethic. It was evident in everything important to him - his marriage, his family, his job, his volunteer work, his battle with cancer, and even his daily life at home. Jim will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. If anyone asked for Jim’s help, they would have it.  If they didn’t ask, but he saw the need, they would still be on the receiving end of his support.

The family is confident that when Jim entered the gates of heaven Jesus greeted him saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Texas Lion's Camp in Jim's memory. 

Services for Jim will be held at Clayton Funeral Home of Pearland. (5530 Broadway St, Pearland, TX 77581) Visitation will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, June 7^th, 2024. The Funeral Service will be at Redeemer Church (18218 Hwy 6, Manvel, TX 77578) the following morning at 10:00 am. Interment will follow the service at Confederate Cemetery in Alvin, Texas.