James Patrick Wright

James P. Wright, 83, of Sullivan, MO, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Monday, March 1, 2021, at Missouri Baptist Hospital – Sullivan. 

James Patrick Wright, better known as Jim, was born in Sullivan, December 29, 1937, to John and Frances (Whitmire) Wright. He grew up and attended the Reed’s Defeat School up until eighth grade. He then completed his schooling at Sullivan High School, graduating with the class of 1955. 

Jim enlisted into the Army National Guard in January 1961. After serving his basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, he served six months in active duty at Fort Ord in California. After serving in active duty, he served for another five years in the reserves. During his service, he married the love of his life, Mary Burrus. They were blessed with four children: Sheila, Pam, Amy and Jason. 

After his service, Jim went to work for Bill Deffenbach in the concrete business. After a few years, Jim was able to take over the business and became self-employed in the mid 60’s. Jim remained in the concrete industry until his retirement in 2000. 

Jim was not only passionate about running his own business, but especially loved farming alongside his brother, Claborn. Jim was full of life and loved to spend time outdoors; hunting, fishing, finding mushrooms, and especially searching for arrowheads. He was an avid reader; interested in many topics, with a special interest in Native American history. Jim also loved to do magic tricks, especially for his grandchildren. He was a man of unwavering faith and was baptized at Temple Baptist Church in Sullivan. 

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary, of Sullivan; three daughters: Sheila Nethercott and husband, David, of Arnold, MO, Pam Campbell and husband, Tim, of Sullivan, MO, and Amy Orlando and husband, John, of Manchester, MO; a son, Jason Wright and wife, Jennifer, of Sullivan, MO; seven grandchildren: Shawn and Benjamin Nethercott, Dylan Campbell, Ryan and Natalie Orlando, and Magen and Jonathan Wright; two sisters, Frances Ann Wright of Sullivan, MO, and Rosemary Lechten and husband, Jim, of Bourbon, MO; a special niece, Kristie Lechten-Mason; a special nephew, John Lechten; and other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Frances Wright; and one brother, Claborn Wright. 

Visitation was open to the public from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday, March 8, 2021 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan. 

Funeral Services began at 12 p.m., Monday, March 8, 2021 at the Eaton Funeral Home, with Pastor Matt Dudley officiating. Interment will follow in Crow Cemetery, with full military honors. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and/or Crow Cemetery.

Friends may send their online condolences to Jim’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.