James D. Wright

On Thursday, January 10, 2019, James Douglas Wright, Jr., loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away at age 83. Doug was preceded in death 13 days prior by his wife of 63 years, Marilyn JoAn Wright. Even as his body deteriorated due to brain cancer, he honored JoAn, his high school sweetheart, by holding on to see her safely into eternity.

Doug was born on January 11, 1935, in Nashville, Tennessee. He received his business degree from Vanderbilt University and then built a successful construction and real estate development company with his father, J. Douglas Wright, Sr. During this time, he also proudly served in the United States Air National Guard. Doug and JoAn raised three children, Joanna Lynn Wright, Susanna (Jon) Wright Julian, and James Patrick Wright. His pride and joy were their two granddaughters, Susanna Grace Julian and Olivia Ruth Julian. Doug is also survived by his adoring sister, Linda (Bob) Wright Nipp, niece, Lisa (Mel) Nipp-Antonen, and great nephew, James Emmett Antonen

Doug lived life to the fullest – an avid outdoorsman, hunter, fisherman, expert marksman, second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, cyclist, and world traveler. He was a founding member of the Middle Tennessee Amateur Retriever Club (1961) and Tennessee Longhunters Club (1976), both of which are still in existence. If good dogs go to heaven, Chap (the first amateur trained AKC National Champion Retriever) and Doug are happily reunited. Doug along with his best friends, mentors, and hunting partners, Doug Wright, Sr. and Jim Pickett, are no doubt decked out in camo and fluorescent orange. Doug and JoAn were members at Crieve Hall Church of Christ for over 50 years where Doug served as a deacon and was instrumental in the education and building programs.

Doug was dearly loved and widely respected. He will be affectionately remembered for his steadfast loyalty, provision, and generosity to so many. His greatest life work was demonstrated in these last years as he selflessly cared for JoAn through her journey with Alzheimer’s.

Visitation will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home on Sunday, January 13, from two o’clock to four o’clock in the afternoon. The celebration of life service will be Monday, January 14 at eleven thirty at Woodlawn’s Dignity Hall, with visitation beginning at ten o’clock.