James Alexander Wright

Dr. James (Jim) Alexander Wright, age 85, of Wilson, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2023. Jim was born in Marion, North Carolina to Ernest and Chloe (Banner) Wright and was one of eleven children. He was preceded in death by his parents, 6 brothers, and sister. He was also preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Barbara Jean (Wright) Gatten who passed away in 2015.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Betty, along with his three children, Ernie Wright, Beth (Wright) Cobb, and Nancy Wright, and five grandchildren, Alex, Kyndle, and Ayden Cobb, and Lauren and Luke Gatten. He is also survived by his sisters, Marilyn (Brinkley) Shaw and Janice (Wright) Hollifield and brother, Jacob Wright.

Jim worked his way through school, earning his B.S. from North Carolina State University in 1960, followed by an M.S. from the University of New Hampshire in 1963, and a Ph.D. from Iowa State University in 1966. His dedication and expertise throughout his 30-year career in agricultural research with Pioneer Hi-Bred International was marked by the development of 110 corn inbreds and 46 commercial corn hybrids. Jim spent the later years of his career as senior scientist for Pioneer directing corn research in Africa and Mexico.

Outside of work and the time he devoted to family, Jim was an avid reader, golfer, a member of the Wilson Country Club, and a longtime NC State Wolfpack sports fan. He was also a member of First Baptist Church of Wilson, North Carolina where he enjoyed the fellowship of his Sunday School class.

As we mourn the loss of a dedicated husband, father, grandpa, and friend, we celebrate and cherish the memories of the joy, humor, compassion and integrity with which he lived his life.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 10 a.m. at Evergreen Memorial Park, 2800 Nash St N.Wilson NC, with Reverend Steve Clayton presiding. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the First Baptist Church, 311 Nash Street N, Wilson, NC 27893.