Obituaries

James Edward Wright, 86, of Forest went to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 11, 2025 peacefully with his family by his side. Born on August 20, 1939, he was the son of the late Charlie Raymond and Odell Jones Wright and often reminisced about delightful times growing up with his sister and cousins. James was affectionately known by many names. Whether answering to James, Jamie, Jack, Jim, or Edward, he was truly one of the good men of this world. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail, his impeccable manners, and his gentlemanly behavior. He loved and was loved well by all who knew him. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 64 years, Linda Hamlett Wright; devoted son, Greg Wright; dear sister, Juanita Clark; sisters-in-law, Kaye Hamlett and Jane Hamlett; special family friend, Hazel Lockridge; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by a brother, Elton Wayne Wright, and five brothers-in-law, Harold Clark, Gilbert, Tommy, Kenneth, and Billy Hamlett. James graduated from William Campbell High School and served his country in the army as a military police officer stationed in the Panama Canal Zone. He was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church and more recently, for many years, attended and faithfully served Salem Baptist Church in Charlotte Court House. His first job as a bus driver while still in high school led to a friendship that would be instrumental in introducing James to his future bride and lifelong love, Linda, and to building the family he treasured. As a young man, he became the owner and operator of Wright’s Grocery Store serving the Naruna community for 10 years. James then began helping patients build their skills and confidence at Central Virginia Training Center as the Teacher of the Wood Working Shop before later becoming a CPR Instructor for employees. He retired from CVTC in 1995 and was fortunate to have 30 years to pursue his many interests and talents. James enjoyed all types of carpentry and was able to build anything including baby doll cradles for his nieces, derby cars for children, furniture of every variety including a special cabinet for Linda’s crystal collection, an intricate lighthouse for his mother, and home additions and renovations for his mother, sister, and other friends and family. James loved making music with his friends and family as well as bringing joy to residents at local nursing homes. He had a natural talent for singing and playing the guitar and piano. He enjoyed being part of many musical groups and continued that tradition with a group of friends who met twice each year at the Meadows of Dan to make bluegrass and country music. James also loved travel especially cruising with his wife and son. They went on over 20 cruises right up until September 2024. He could often be found at his computer searching for their next adventure. Even with his many talents, James often shied away from the limelight preferring to take care of things behind the scenes. His greatest talent was always taking care of those he loved and being present to meet every need in their lives whether it was a house project that needed repairing, bookkeeping, or mowing grass. And yes, he looked just as good and was as well-groomed mowing the lawn each week as he was in the church pew on Sunday morning. James especially treasured time working on projects with his son and teaching him the trade and he took great joy and pride in Greg’s accomplishments. His devotion to Linda was obvious even to the end as he enlisted our help to make sure she was protected and loved. James’s whole life was a gift to those he loved and the greatest gift he gave was the knowledge of his salvation and relationship with the Lord. How beautiful was the song he sang often in his final days, In His Arms I’m Not Afraid! “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation!” (Isaiah 12:2) The echo of him singing that song brings comfort in the pain of our separation here on earth and the promise of a reunion with him in the glory of heaven as we continue his legacy of walking with the Lord and loving each other. We are incredibly thankful for the blessing James was to our lives. Visitation will be at Henderson Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday, December 14 from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. and at other times at his son’s home in Gladys. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Henderson Funeral Home with the Rev. Johnny Roberts officiating. Interment will follow in the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hendersonfuneral.net. Henderson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Brookneal, Va. is assisting the family.