James Wright, Jr.

Racine – James Wright Jr., age 66, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, June 14, 2013. 

James was born in Racine on January 26, 1947 to the late James and Lillie Bell (nee: Chattman) Wright. Following graduation from high school, he faithfully served our Country with the United States Army in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and was a recipient of the Purple Heart. 

After returning home from serving his country, James began a lifelong career with the United States Postal Service, working mainly in Florida and Colorado, from where he retired. James returned back to Racine in 2011 when his health began to fail. 

While living in Jacksonville, Florida – James worked in the Children’s Ministry at the Bethel Baptist Institutional Church.  Among his many interests, James enjoyed fishing, loved traveling, trying his luck at the casino, training his Airdale canine companions, bowling, and fancied himself a culinary expert.  He will be remembered as an all-around handyman who loved helping family and friends with home improvement projects. Most of all, he was a true family man who cherished being in the surroundings of his loved ones. May he rest in peace. 

Surviving are his children, James Wright-Phillips, Hope Wright-Homes, Kareem Washington, Jerome Washington, of Denver Colorado; Yasin Mahdi, Naimah Mahdi and Ayisha Wright of Racine, WI; many adored grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sisters, Lula Smith and Marilyn “Midge” Davis (Herman Folsom) of Racine; brothers, Joseph Wright of Indianapolis, IN;  Calvin (Annette) Wright, Selmar CA; and Erwin Wright, Milwaukee, WI; beloved aunt and family matriarch, Velma Hardiman; special nephew and niece, J.C. and Rosa Mangum; dear friends, Vicki Pipkins-Mahdi, Sheridan “Sheryl” Brown and Jay Oliver-Brown; and by a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. 

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his sister, Josephine Smith, and cousins; Betty Carr, Luvenia Fenderson, Brenda Streeter and Vaughn Chattman. 

A Homegoing Celebration will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 11:00 am at Faith Christian Fellowship Church, 1200 Racine Street, with Pastor Todd Nienhaus officiating. Military honors will follow. Private interment will take place at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.  Viewing will be in Faith Christian Fellowship on Saturday from 10-11 am.