James W. Wright

Cause he'd been holding to God's hand a long long time

As we knelt beside his bed, our hearts were thrilled at what He said

If I go or if I stay, the victory is mine

None of us really know about tomorrow

We must prepare to go to Heaven any day

So while we're here, let's trust the Lord

He'll bring us safe to our reward

Praise the Lord, we'll be a winner either way

I'm a winner either way, if I go or if I stay

For I'll still have my Jesus each passing day

I'll have my healing here below or life forever if I go

Oh Praise the Lord, I'll be a winner either way!

On May 31st, 2016 James William Wright completed his journey on earth and entered Heaven's gates while surrounded by his loving family. He was born to William Earl Wright and Leona Mae holding Wright in Caviness, Lamar County Texas on August 9, 1935 James attended school at Cato Community and Blossom Elementary and graduated from Blossom High School in 1953. He worked for Boyer Bros Printing, then entered the U S Air Force serving his country in Korea and Japan and was honorably discharged. He then entered Lamar Business College upon his return to Paris. In the spring of 1957, at 21 years of age, he met his 15 year old bride Wanda Toppings, and they were married on July 13, 1957 at Seventh Street Baptist Church, Paris. They have shared 58 + years together and to this union was born three children, a son Rick and two daughters Kimberly and Leigh Anne. James started his career in Water Utilities with the City of Paris, then accepted employment with the City of Garland Water Department where he was promoted to supervisor of water distribution. He attended many short schools in several locations and obtained his Class B license in both water and wastewater. In 1978, he took an early retirement and moved back to Paris. After a year, he decided to re-join with the City of Paris until he officially retired in 1997. After taking a short rest along with traveling to points of interest, he started a new career working for Dr Richard Swint and continued until his health failed. In 1973 while living in Garland, James was ordained as a Baptist Deacon at Chandler Drive Baptist Church, later to become Calvary Hill Baptist Church, Mesquite. There he served the Lord and taught his children according to God's word, the Holy Bible, Proverbs 22:6. James and Wanda are active members of Southside Baptist Church where he has served on the Benevolence Committee for several years. James was an avid fisherman and deer hunter for many years, with many trophies to show his love for the outdoors. He loved camping out with his son and grandson along with his cronies, and in his later years, estate and garage sales, as well as Ebaying were a hobby and passion. Funeral services are set for Saturday, June 4, at 2pm at Southside Baptist Church with Brother Billy Norris and Brother Phil Spann officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery following the service. The family will receive family/friends at Bright-Holland Funeral Home on Friday, June 3, from 6p-7p and at the church, Saturday June 4, from 12:30p-1:30p. Pallbearers will be Nathan Raulston, Grandson; Bruce Conder, Roger Weems, Jason Scantlen, Jonathan Ashley and Joe Bowers. James is survived by his wife Wanda, of the home; son Rick Wright and wife Lori of Rowlett, Texas; daughter Kimberly Raulston of Garland, Texas; and daughter Leigh Anne Wright of Eustis, Florida. Grandchildren, Natalie Raulston of Arlington, Texas; Grandson, Nathan Raulston and wife Jessica of Greenville, Texas; and Kaci Wright of Rowlett, Texas. Sister Earlene Boren of Sanger, Texas; Sister-in-law Joyce Wright of Royce City, Texas. Several nieces and nephews, as well as numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Leona Wright; a brother, Troy Wright; sisters, Mary Trimmier and Edith Allen, and Mother-in-law, Cora Toppings. Brothers-in-law Albert Boren, Ray Allen, Bob Trimmier, Harold Baty, Don Rowe, Tommy Toppings and Richard Toppings. Sisters-in-law Dorothy Baty, Sandra Rowe, Rinda Hodges, and Pat Toppings. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Southside Baptist Church Debt Retirement Fund are greatly appreciated.