P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }

Sept. 11, 1940 – Jan. 29, 2015

VIDALIA — Services for James N. “Pawpaw James” Wright Sr., 74, who died Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, peacefully at home while surrounded by his family, will be at 2 p.m. today at Sycamore Baptist Church in Vidalia with the Rev. Richard Cullum and the Rev. Curtis Smith officiating.

Burial will follow at the Heard Cemetery in Manifest, La., under the direction of Magnolia Funeral Home in Alexandria, La.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to service time today at the church.

Mr. Wright was born Sept. 11, 1940, in Jonesville, the youngest son of Julian C. and Jewell Wright.

He was an avid sportsman, spending time hunting and fishing with family and friends every chance he got. His love of the outdoors was no secret to anyone who knew him.

He also enjoyed working and participating in mission work and was a very active member of the Sycamore Baptist Church.

Mr. Wright was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Julian B. Wright; and three sisters, Marie Johnson, Elsie Hoyt and Dorothy Huffman.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Janice A. Wright; one son, James N. Wright and wife, Lori, of Monterey; three daughters, Kristie W. Fortin and husband, Roger, of Lake Charles, La., Pamela W. White and husband, Jay, of Dunbarton, La., and Tessa W. Harris and husband, Tim, of Monterey; 10 grandchildren who often affectionately called him “Old Man River,” Aaron L. Wright and wife, Jessica, of Kansas City, Mo., Brett Wright, CJ White, Cody Wright, Blake Arnold, Dillon Wright, Trent Harris, Haley B. Wright and fiancé, Brad Edwards, of Monterey, Helen J. White and Ashton P. Wright; three great-grandchildren, Rory J. Wright, Nathan K. Poole and Braiden C. Poole; and a number of nephews and nieces, all who loved him dearly.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Aaron L. Wright, Brett J. Wright, CJ White, Cody B. Wright and Blake P. Arnold, and Brad Edwards and Tyler Evans.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dillon Wright, Trent Harris, Steve Vestal, Charlie Vestal, John Rife, Allen Harris, Randy Weatherly and Randy White.

The family acknowledges the staff at St. Francis Cabrini, Ochsner Medical Center and All Saints Hospice for the care, efforts and support to Mr. Wright and his family during his illness.