James Winston Wright, Jr., beloved son, husband, father, Papa, and friend went home to be with the Lord on March 11, 2024. Jim was born in Fairfield, Alabama, on December 30, 1939, to Eunice Earline and James Winston Wright.
Jim graduated from Hueytown High School where he played on the baseball and basketball teams and was elected President of his 1958 Senior Class. Upon graduation from high school, he was offered a professional baseball contract by the Baltimore Orioles but chose to attend East Mississippi Junior College on a baseball scholarship. He continued his pursuit of a degree in Metallurgical Engineering at the University of Alabama. Both he and his wife graduated from Alabama in 1962. Jim was a life-long supporter of the University’s athletic program. He later earned a master’s degree from the University of Alabama Huntsville.
In 1960, he married his “forever sweetheart”, Jane Goolsby Wright. Jim and Jane were married for 59 years before she preceded him in death.
As a sports enthusiast, Jim coached his son’s baseball and basketball teams. He was also very supportive in his children’s and grandchildren’s varied sports and other activities.
Jim spent his entire engineering career with the U.S. Army Missile Command, Propulsion Directorate, retiring in 1997. He also worked for Horizon Real Estate, Rise Real Estate, and started his own firm, Wright Place Realty.
Up until his wife’s illness, Jim was an active member at Whitesburg Baptist Church, serving as Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and served on many church committees.
Preceding Jim in death was his loving wife, Jane Goolsby Wright; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Winston Wright; and brother, Charles Franklin Wright.
Leaving to cherish and honor his memory are his children, Kevin Richard Wright and Karen Diane Wright (Michael Rose); grandchildren, Daniel Alan Wright, Ashley Elizabeth Wright and David Richard Wright; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.
The family would like to thank Willowbrooke Court at Magnolia Trace for their exceptional care of our Dad and Papa.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 15, 2024, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 12 noon on Saturday, March 16, 2024, in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Darryl Craft officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hospice of North Alabama, 2905 Westcorp Blvd SW, Suite #116, Huntsville, AL 35805.
