James Wright Sr. affectionately known as Grandpa by his family was born May 31, 1937 and departed this life at 86 years old on June 17, 2023.  He was a man of faith and a people person who was very giving of himself.  James loved his family and his church as he was a dedicated member and respected leader in Little Zion Baptist Church for 47 years.  He served as Chairman of the Deacon Board for many of years, sung in the Male Chorus, was a Boy Scout Troop Leader and assisted with the Foodbank amongst other roles.

Working at Newport News Shipbuilding and retiring after 36 years was a great achievement.  He was a Welding Instructor for 25 of those years and his students have on many occasions taken the time out to tell him how much they appreciated his guidance while in his class.

In his spare time, he enjoyed being a member of the Hampton Auxiliary Police and owned and ran his own Scrap Metal business.  In his younger years he built and raced cars then passed on his excitement for motorcycle racing to his sons.

James leaves to cherish his memories a devoted wife of 61 years Iris Wright, his dedicated sons James Jr. (Katie), Earnest (Paketa), his beloved sister Mable Stokes, his grandchildren who were near and dear to his heart Dominique, Lawrence (Aviance), Ashley, and great grandson to be Xander.  A bonus daughter Juanita Lewis (Arthur) and a special Godson Arthur Lewis Jr and a host of Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins.

The viewing will be held on Friday June 23rd from 11am – 5pm at Cooke Brothers Funeral Home 1601 27Th St. Newport News VA.  The family will receive visitors from 4pm to 5pm.

The funeral will be held at 11am on June 24th at Little Zion Baptist Church 1824 W. Queen St Hampton VA 23666. Interment will immediately follow the funeral at Hampton Memorial Gardens 155 Butler Farm Rd.  Hampton VA 23666.