James Edwin Wright

James Edwin Wright, age 86, of Sterling Heights, Michigan passed away on Tuesday, September 28, 2021. James was born October 26, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan. Son of the late Charles and Cecelia (nee Schmutzer) Wright.

Jim was born in Detroit and raised in Warren, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1953. After high school, he went on to honorably serve our county in the Navy Reserves. Jim was an exceptional salesman and had multiple career opportunities throughout his life including selling washers and dryers at Sears, working as a hearing aid specialist at Beltone, and selling American Frozen Foods. His calling was to teach Sunday School and he volunteered as a Sunday School teacher for over seventy years – since he was sixteen years old. In 1964, Jim and his family felt called to help start a church in Warren and are charter members here at The Woods Church. Jim also served on the church board as The Woods Church treasurer for 40 years, as well as being a member of the Pastoral Care Team. Gifted in drama and memorization, Jim participated in many Acts and Snacks productions at The Woods Church. He also sang in the Community Concert Choir.

On February 16, 1957, Jim married Yvonne, his loving wife of 42 years. The two met at his brother’s wedding, where he was the best man and she was the maid of honor. Once they started talking, sparks flew. Together, they had two wonderful sons, Tim and Greg. Years after Yvonne’s passing, Jim attended his 50th high school reunion where he met Mary Ann Parent. The two hit it off and have been together for the past 18 years. Jim loved being in church and being able to talk with, pray for, and encourage his many friends and if you knew Jim, you were his friend. In his leisure time he enjoyed traveling, riding his bike, reading, trying new restaurants, watching his favorite baseball team-the Detroit Tigers, putting together a puzzle, and taking care of his beloved cat, Lucky. Most of all, Jim loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and precious great-granddaughter. Jim will be remembered as a Christ follower, a God-fearing man, an encourager, gifted teacher, and a kind soul. He has gone to rejoin Christ in Heaven, and will be missed immensely and loved eternally by all who knew him.

James was the beloved husband of the late Yvonne. Loving friend of Mary Ann Parent. Loving father of Timothy (Julie) and Gregory (Linda). Cherished grandfather of Joshua Wright, Amber (Julien) Atis, Lydia (Michael) Ware, and Jared (Emily) Wright. Adored great-grandfather of Reya Atis. Dear brother of Rose (Everett) Miller and the late Andrew (Betty) Wright.

Visitation for James will be held Friday, Oct. 8th from 6-9pm at the Woods Church, 14300 13 Mile Road in Warren. He will lie in state Saturday Oct. 9th at 10am until the time of his Celebration of Life Service at 11 am at the Woods Church.

Memorial donations can be made to The Woods Church in James's name.

Arrangements entrusted to the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home in Warren.