James Edward Wright

A Life Well Lived On October 26, 1958, James Edward Wright was born in Los Angeles, California. He was the third child born to the late Helen Francis Wright and Frank Louis Wright. His life was further enriched by the love he received from the late G. Wildren Cheadle, his stepfather. Jim passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2019 of cardiac arrest; he was 60 years old. Jim attended Ronald McNair Elementary and Willowbrook Junior High, located in Compton. In high school, he ventured out of Compton and attended South Gate High in South Gate, California. Throughout his childhood and adolescence, Jimmy had a love of sports and played baseball, basketball and football. Upon graduating from high school he attended East Los Angeles College and later transferred to Cal State Fullerton. While attending college, he landed a job working in the mailroom of a local bank. His curious nature and outgoing personality lead him to inquire about the computer systems used at the bank. After a manager exposed him to opportunities in information technology (IT), Jim left school to begin a successful 25-year career in IT. In 1999, Jim married his best friend, Nancy, and enjoyed 20 years of marriage until his passing. He and Nancy had two sons, Jalen and Quentin. Jim also had a son, James, from a previous marriage. In 2006, after living all his life in sunny Southern California, Jim and Nancy moved to Flower Mound, TX, a suburb just northwest of Dallas. This move was not easy. Leaving family and friends behind was not something Jim took lightly. But journeying to something unknown was an adventure for Jim, and a 3-5 year plan slowly turned into almost 13-year venture. In 2007, just six months after settling down in Texas, Jim was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Surprised but not in despair over the diagnosis, Jim went to battle against this disease. He fought bravely, always full of optimism and faith, believing, “I can beat this!” As the years progressed and the condition led to other health challenges, Jim pressed on. Forever the optimist, he often answered when asked how he was doing, “I’m good! I’m blessed!”, and quickly changed the subject to, “How are you doing?”. For 12 years he was lovingly cared for by a host of doctors and nurses at Davita Grapevine where he went for dialysis three days a week. He cheerfully entered the dialysis center at 5 AM, greeting everyone he passed with his larger-than-life smile and infectious charm. Jim’s life was centered on showing kindness and love to his family and friends. No matter your troubles, he would give some sort of encouragement and leave you feeling just a little more hopeful and determined to carry on in faith. His family was his life and his wife and three sons were at the core of his drive to live a purposeful life. With great pride he always spoke of his sons’ achievements. He was proud of James for being the first of Helen’s grandchildren to graduate from college. Another source of joy and passion was to watch his sons play basketball. He poured all his energy into helping them develop their talents. He was their biggest fan who not only cheered on his sons, but every other young man on the team, always giving a dap at the start and end of games, win or lose. This youth basketball community became his family away from home. Frequently he would say how blessed he’s been to meet such good people here in Texas. Jim was often seen in his USC hat which sparked conversations everywhere he went throughout Texas. Many bonds of friendship started over that hat. Friends who were by his side until his very last breath. Family called him “Jimmy”, others knew him as “Jim”, and his children called him "Dad" or “Pops.” Whatever the name or title used, he leaves a legacy of love and integrity with his family and friends and all who crossed his path. He has left behind wonderful memories of a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. We are grateful for each and every day we got to see his glowing smile, and for the lessons learned and all the jokes we shared. Jim was preceded in death by Louis Frank Wright (father), Helen Francis Cheadle (mother), Kenneth Frank Wright (brother) and Merlinda Howard (stepsister). Jim is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; James, Jalen and Quentin (children), Dwight Wright (brother), Janie Wright (sister), Semaj and Sarai (grandchildren), Jerome Cheadle (stepbrother), Demetric Cheadle (stepsister) and Joslyn Wright (sister-in-law). His loving memory will be cherished by all his in-laws along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Luke 23:43 - And he said to him: “Truly I tell you today, you will be with me in Paradise.”