Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

James R. Wright, 82, of Gillespie, Ill., died at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield on Sunday, March 5, 2023. He was born July 11, 1940, in Alton, to Clyde Wright and Freda Boker Wright. He married Ann Marie Cox on July 23, 1965, at SS Peter & Paul Church in Alton, and she preceded him in death.

James graduated from Marquette High School in Alton in 1958. He was retired after having been the owner/operator of Wrights Cleaning. James was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Macoupin Amateur Radio Club and SS Simon & Jude Church.

He is survived by his son, Russell J. (Jodi) Wright of Hamel; daughter, Sandra (John) Scott; brothers, Stephen (Patricia) Wright of Springfield, Larry Wright of Mokena, Roger Wright of Springfield; sisters, Janet Jenkins of Wood River, Mary Kay Curry of Godfrey; four grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. James was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ann Marie Wright; daughter, Lynn Cameron; grandson, Matthew Wright; brother, Kenneth Wright; sister-in-law, Doris Wright; and brothers-in-law, Jonathan Curry and Edward Jenkins.

A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, March 23, at 10:30 a.m. at SS Simon & Jude Church, Gillespie. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Gillespie.

Memorials are suggested to SS Simon & Jude Church. Condolences may be left online at http://www.kravanyafuneral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie is in charge of arrangements.