Losing a dad is one of the hardest life experiences. While we're never really prepared for the passing of someone we love, there's something distinctly different when it comes to a father. 

 

It is with deep sorrow that I share on this blog the passing of my father, Mr. James Douglas Wright, Sr. To many people he's known as Pastor Wright, Bishop Wright, Elder Wright. 

 

I am grateful for the opportunity to have called him, "DAD".

He was known and loved by many. He's already missed and I would ask that you would keep my mother, Pastor Margaret Wright and the rest of our family in your prayers. Here's a brief blog in his honor and a just a few family photo's.

 

Mr. James Douglas Wright, Sr. a native of Whiteville, NC, is 

the beloved son of Mr. Douglas Wright & Mrs.Allean "Lena" Wright. Our family lived on "Brickyard". He passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023 at Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey. He leaves to mourn his loving wife of 58 years, Pastor Margaret Ann Wright, NJ, children, and a host 

of grand-children, great-grand children, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, neighbors, church family and friends.

 

Mourning the loss of our beloved father are my siblings,

Mrs. Delphine Harris (Mr. Steven Harris); Mr. Ernie Wilson, 

Mr. James Douglas Wright, Jr., Carmella A. Wright (10/68-08/11)

Apostle Patrina Torres (Pastor Reyes Torres, Jr.), Pastor Wenda McClean (Pastor Victor McClean); Glinda Brady. He was the son in law of Mrs. Margie L. Bell and brother-in-law of Mr. Harvey George, Mr. Robert "Randy" McDonald, Mr. Ponce McDonald and Ms. Linda Gail McDonald. 

 

My dad was the beloved brother of 12 siblings,

Mrs. Lillian Flowers (Walter) NC, Mrs. Cora Purdie (Earl) Connecticut; Mr. Eugene Wright (Cathey), NY; Mr. Purvis Wright (Ella Ruth) NJ\; Mary E. Wright, NJ; Mrs. Elouise George (Clester) NJ; Mr. Ralph H. Wright (Jenelle) NJ; Mrs. Grenda McCoy (John) NC; Sharon P. Wright, NC, Donna J. Wright, NC all of whom proceeded him in death. He also leaves to mourn are a sister, Mother Verlene Oliver, PA and brother, 

Elder Laurice Wright (Pansy) of NC.

 

A bi-vocational leader who served the community in the marketplace and the church. We was employed as a professional bus driver who was also hired for many bus rides and trips.

 

He was a people person who loved his job and took great pride in keeping his uniform clean and transporting passengers to their destination safely and on schedule. During his career he was employed with Drogin Bus Company, Bayonne, NJ, Watson's Funeral Home, Jersey City, NJ and retired from the Jersey City Board of Education Transportation Department July 2015.   

 

Prior to becoming Pastor of Macedonia Redeemed Pentecostal Church, 204 Monticello Avenue, Jersey City, NJ, he served under the leadership of Bishop Jesse Lewis, Sr. in various capacities such as Trustee, Deacon, Choir Member, Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent of Sunday School. During special church and family functions he was known for making the holiday punch.

 

Outside of the walls of the church ministry didn't stop. Regular visits to see incarcerated loved ones as well as preparing boxes with food and hygiene products for other inmates became part of  their ministry. Not only did he lead his wife and children in prayer at home their ministry touched the lives of persons in the hospitals, sick and shut-ins, as well as those who were in need of food, clothing, encouragement or financial assistance.

 

Bishop James Wright also served as one of the first board members of Crossroad Women and Family Services in 2004. 

The organization has been blessed to impact the lives of women, children, men and families in the community, prison, courts, colleges and drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Our reach has extended to persons in  New Jersey,  North Carolina, 

New York, Georgia, Texas, UK and Uganda. 

 

As a board member and volunteer he would drive families in crisis to family shelter's where they could have the time and resources needed to break the cycle and recover from the emotional, physical, social, financial and spiritual trauma 

 

In additional to his professional career as a driver he also liked working with his hands. He had a "tool-box" and could always tell when someone borrowed a tool and forgot to return it.

 

Raised in Whiteville, North Carolina he was educated in the city school district and had many fond memories. He would often speak about St. Bethel and St. Stephens church as a child.

 

On an annual basis he looked forward to traveling to Whiteville with my mom, Pastor Margaret Wright, for an extended stay. 

It always felt like "home"- a place where they could enjoy some of their favorite restaurants, shops at flea markets, work in the backyard, visits with relatives and attend worship service at the House of Prayer Deliverance Center with Pastor Barbara and Elder Powell and have Sunday dinner with our family.

 

My dad was a prayer warrior and loved to praise God. He will always be remembered for saying, "Glory! Glory! Glory!" that was his love language to God. As it was the custom of this great man of faith to walk by faith and not by sight. He believed God until the end. He lived his faith daily. He wasn't easily ruffled and didn't let life get the best of him. Even on his bed of affliction he was still giving GOD the praise. He was a man of courage, integrity and conviction. He would often say, "It's tight but it's right". He lived his standard in his home and before his children, grand-children, great-grand children and even strangers. 

He showered my mother with affection and affirmation.

 

He loved God and raised his children, helped rear his grand-children and loved seeing his great grand children. He loved the people of God and his church family. No matter what came his way, he always gave honor and  glory to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who he made the head of his life and lover of his soul. Dad, you fought a good fight of faith. We love you daddy. We are grateful for the time that God allowed us to have you in our lives. Take your rest. Until we meet again.

 

We Will Always Love and Miss You Daddy,

You Were a Great Husband, Father, Grand-Father, Great-Grand Father, Leader, Protector, Man of Faith and "Friend of God"

 

Love Your  Daughter,

Patrina