James Andrew Wright, Jr. was born on June 3, 1946 to James and Rosalee Lightner.  He was born and raised in Akron, OH.  James attended Akron Public Schools and graduated from Garfield High School.  He attended the University of Akron with high honors and attended Anderson College of Theology.  He served in the U.S. Navy from 1964 – 1968 with an honorable discharge.

James met and married Annette Rainey in Norfolk, VA  in 1968, she then moved to Akron and became his bride and they were united in marriage in 1969.  James and Annette enjoyed 48 years together.

James enjoyed fishing, sports, and reading, but his passion was bible study.  James was a hard worker and retired from Chrysler.  Prior to Chrysler, James worked for Firestone Tire and Rubber, Barefoot Soul, and operated a gas station for 10 years.

James attended Wind Beneath My Wings Christian Fellowship, where he served as an elder.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Rose Lee Wright, father James Wight Sr.; brother Harold Wright and paternal grandparents.

He leaves to cherish his memory; his wife, Annette; sons, Lorenzo and James; three sisters, Anita Woodall, Annie Birden, Mary (Leslie) Ingol; four grandchildren, one great grandchild; one godson, Maurice A. Coleman Jr., special friends Maurice Coleman and all of the men of Wind Beneath My Wings Christian Fellowship and a host of family and friends.