“If a task is once begun, Never leave it till it’s done; Be the labor great or small, Do it well, or not at all.” This quote exemplifies the essence and tenacity of Rev. James Edward Wright, Sr.

Born December 30, 1944, to Janie F. Wright, James was the ninth child of eleven children born to Janie Wright in White Plains, GA. Eight who preceded him in death: Clarence, Sarah, David, Ruby, Mary, Rubin, Henrietta, and Richard. Even at a tender age, he was no stranger to hard work, shaping his autographed journey of 80 years. James is the product of the Greene County Education System and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Leo College. He joined Rock Hill Baptist Church in White Plains, GA, at an early age.

A love affair of 56 years, 9 months, and 13 days would begin when James partnered with Emma Lucy in a game of marbles in the 2nd grade. Finally reaching the altar of marriage on June 16, 1968, at the Springfield Baptist Church in Siloam, GA, under the leadership of Rev. O.S. Dotson.

James Sr. served in the U.S. Army 3297th Division and the U.S. Army Reserves and retired in 1991 with the rank of Sergeant First Class. His tour of duty would lead him to Germany, and he would also later serve in Operation Desert Storm. He worked at Grady Health System for over 35 years as the Director of Central Sterile Supply and Inventory Distribution and Receiving departments, retiring in 2003 was the Chairman of the Board for the 1st Choice Credit Union for several years, and an active community activist in the South DeKalb community. Since “retirement” is not in his vocabulary, James Sr. started a successful lawn care business serving residential and commercial clients until his illness

James Sr. would find himself growing the Vineyard of the Lord when he settled his family at the Greater Travelers Rest Baptist under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Hubert Floyd Shepherd in 1975. He would serve as deacon, was responsible for the building and grounds, and Cub Master of Boy Scout Troop 168. He answered the call of the Lord on his life being licensed in the Ministry of the Gospel on November 6, 1978 then ordained on March 15, 1981. Returning to the same county where he plowed the field at age 9, Rev. Wright would now be plowing in the spiritual vineyard of the Springfield Baptist Church as pastor in September 1984. Being true to his essence, Pastor Wright hit the ground running, bringing a fresh wind of vitality and numerous improvements to the rich tapestry of the Springfield community. Spanning 40 years, Pastor Wright’s fingerprint would be seen through numerous improvements such as: replacing the “big chicken fan” with central air and heat, adding on the fellowship hall, creating the vestibule to give congregants a holding area before entering the sanctuary, installing new pews and an indoor baptismal pool, and partnering with the Golden Pantry Food Bank to serve the residents of Crawfordville, GA.

On Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 1 AM, Pastor Wright exchanged mortality for immortality surrounded by his family. Leaving to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Mrs. Emma Lucy Wright; children: Mr. James Wright, Jr., Rev. Michael Wright, Sr. (Karen), and Ms. Emily Jameka Wright. Brothers: Dea. William Wright (LeAnn) and Rev. Charlie Roy Wright, Sr. Four grandchildren: Michael Jr., MaKayla, Tamira, and Jordan. A host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and the Springfield Baptist Church family and friends.

Service Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. from Springfield Baptist Church, Crawfordville, Ga with Rev. Jesse J. Walker, Sr., Eulogist.