GLOUSTER, Ohio –– James Byron Wright, 72, of Glouster passed away peacefully at home Thursday, January 8, 2026. He was born on November 18, 1953, in Nelsonville, Ohio, to Pearl and Wanda (Hogue) Wright.
Jim was a 1972 graduate of Trimble Local High School, where he excelled in both football and basketball.
Jim spent his entire career working for the railroad; Penn Central, Conrail, and then Norfolk and Southern, in which he retired in 2012, just short of forty years of service. He traveled in his role on the mechanics crew, while assisting in the building of bridges and railroad repairs. He very much enjoyed his retirement, and teased others about how he “doesn’t have to do anything anymore, he’s retired!”
In his later years while battling dementia he would still make work a priority and was always making comments about how he needed to, “call the guys and get to work.”
Jim enjoyed fishing at Burr Oak Lake; especially every July, when the entire Wright family would gather at Dock 3. This was a week, (sometimes two) of camping, bonfires, playing yahtzee, euchre, catching catfish and making memories. Jim was always one of the last ones at the picnic table enjoying the outdoors and time spent with his family. He was a member of the Jacksonville Eagles and the Jacksonville VFW Auxiliary for many years.
Jim is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dorothy Dianne (Hambel) Wright, his son James Byron Wright Jr. (Jimmy & Sara), grandsons Caleb (Kelsey) Wright and Colton Wright, granddaughter Riley Wright, his sister Joyce, and many very special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Pearl and Wanda Wright, brothers Jerry and John Wright, Parents in law Raymond and Dorothy Hambel and his beloved son William Joseph Wright (Joey, 2018).
Arrangements are being made by Morrison Funeral Chapel, Glouster-Bishopville. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has occurred and there will be no services observed.
