James Wright was born on March 2,1936 in Tarboro, South Carolina to the late Evans and Yneather Wright. He was the second son and the second child of 15. James was a product of both    Jasper County and the Miami Dade County School system. He came to  Miami, Florida, in 1956 looking for better opportunities. He attended night school at Miami Jackson Senior High to obtain his high school diploma. In 1956, he also met the love of his life, Susie Gilbert. They would wed in 1959, and that union brought forth  Sherry Lorraine Magwood, James Barry Wright, and Ursula T. Wright. He began his employment with Tan Airlines in 1957 where he worked as an aircraft mechanic supervisor. At the same time, he worked in the maintenance department at Jordan Marsh.

In 1970, he moved the family from Allapattah to Scott Lake (now The City of Miami Gardens), where he resided until his transition. In 1978, he retired from both employers to form Wright Lawn Service giving many young boys their first job. He was a mentor to many youths and a foster parent to those without a father in their lives. He never met anyone he didn't already know and was affectionately called "Mr. Jimmy" by those in the Scott Lake Community. An avid fitness buff in his early years, he would often end his days running laps around Scott Park. James loved spending time with family and friends. He also enjoyed watching and attending professional boxing matches and would often be seen inside the home shadow boxing in the mirror.

James Wright served faithfully at Disruption United Church where he consistently sowed his skills in building, plumbing, and maintaining the lawn and property. Realizing the consistent need for Christ and to having a clean heart, he rededicated his life on January 8, 2022. This humble man never sought accolades or fame and lived a contented life where his influence and inestimable life contributions were characterized by his humility and quiet disposition. He left a legacy of hard work, entrepreneurship, and perseverance.

Although James Wright left his earthly tabernacle on Sunday, January 16, 2022, his legacy lives through the many lives he touched. His daughter, Hermietta "Tulu" Wright, preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish his memories and moments of love, life and legacy: His wife, Susie Wright, his four children: Sherry Thomas Magwood, James Barry Wright, Ursula Wright, and Margo Wright; three goddaughters, Resheka Canady, Melissa Davy, and Benita Fleurissaint: six grandchildren: Carlette Dorsey-Dubbison (Jean), Jabari Harris, Porscha Williams (Michael), Torrez Thomas, Lindsay Wright, Stephen Wright: eleven great-grandchildren and seven great great grandchildren. Eight siblings: Phyllis Cabba-Gestalk, Louise Wright, Yneather Wright-Simmelkjaer, Clifford Wright, Emmanuel Wright, Mabel Rivers, Leroy Wright, and Johnny Lee Wright. He leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers and/or floral arrangements, we ask that you donate to the James Wright Scholarship Fund at City Innovation School so that we can support the next generation of entrepreneurs. You may donate at paypal.me/citygateu or you may write a check made payable to City Innovation School; and write in the memo or note section James Wright Fund (whether online or check).