James Edward Wright, age 81, of Clayton, NJ, on July 24, 2025, in Sewell, NJ, surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 54 years, Marie Lois (née Wilson) Wright, whom he married on November 7, 1970. He was the proud father of three children: Deborah M. Koenig (Fred) of Clayton, NJ; Brian J. Wright (Jen) of West Melbourne, FL; and Karen L. Taylor (Dave) of Barrington, NJ. He was a cherished grandfather to nine grandchildren: Madison Taylor, Hannah Koenig, Megan Taylor, Luke Koenig, Olivia Wright, Amelia Wright, Mia Taylor, Jillian Wright, and Levi Wright. James was a beloved brother to Donald Wright (Carol) of Mount Laurel, NJ; Ronald Wright (Kathy) of Washington Township, NJ; and Robert Wright (Sandy) of Springfield, PA.
James was born on August 11, 1943, in Philadelphia, PA, to the late John William and Elizabeth Mae (née Price) Wright. He spent his childhood between Philadelphia and Bala Cynwyd, developing a strong work ethic from an early age. As a young boy, he delivered newspapers in his neighborhood, and during high school, he worked in the shade department at Lord & Taylor in Philadelphia, graduating from Lower Merion High School in 1963.
Shortly after graduation, James honorably served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from August 1963 to June 1966 with deployment to Germany. Following his military service, he returned home to Philadelphia and began working at US Cold Storage. Determined to further his education, James attended night classes at Saint Joseph’s University while working full-time, ultimately earning his degree in accounting.
James built a successful career starting at F. Benson & Co., Inc. in Mount Laurel, NJ. When the company relocated to Florida, James and his family followed. He later became Chief Financial Officer of Dixie Metal Products, Inc. in Ocala, FL, where he worked until his retirement in 2015.
James and Marie raised their family in Gloucester City, NJ, where they lived for 17 years. In the early 1980s, the family moved to Florida, making homes in Boca Raton, Parkland, and finally Ocala. In 2016, James returned to New Jersey, settling in Clayton, where he spent his remaining years surrounded by family and close friends.
A lifelong Philadelphia Phillies fan, James rarely missed a game, whether watching from home or cheering in the stands. He discovered a love for golf later in life and enjoyed many relaxing afternoons on the course. During his years in Gloucester City, James was actively involved in the community, coaching youth baseball through the Jaycees and sharing his passion for sports and teamwork with his children and grandchildren.
Known for his green thumb, James took great pride in his garden and was always ready to help neighbors with their lawn care. His passion for woodworking began as a boy, when he and his brothers scavenged wood from abandoned mansions to build treehouses. In his later years, he continued crafting, creating birdhouses and feeders that now stand as quiet reminders of his creativity and care.
Above all else, James was a devoted family man. His greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren—whether at home, on family vacations, or during countless visits to Disney World with Marie. Their shared love for Disney inspired spontaneous trips, often just to enjoy a dinner at Epcot. Over the years, these visits became treasured family traditions filled with laughter and togetherness.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME, 208 Maple Street, Clayton, NJ 08312. Funeral service will begin at 10:30 AM. Interment and military honors to follow at the Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Williamstown. Sign the guestbook and send condolences at BarclayFuneralHome.net.
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