James E. Bright

Born Dec. 20, 1925 in New Albany, he was retired from International Harvester in Louisville. Mr. Bright was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Albany and was a long-time supporter of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. During World War II Mr. Bright served in the U.S. Navy as an aircraft mechanic on the island of Peleliu from 1944-46.

He was a long-time member of VFW Post 1693, American Legion Post 28, and Knights of Columbus Council 1221 in New Albany. He served as commander and chaplain of his VFW Post.

Mr. Bright was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Mayfield Bright, and by his second wife, Venice Smith Servidio Bright.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Bright Mayfield, by his five children: Jim Bright (Anne) of Bloomington, IN; Joseph Bright (Janice) of Mesa, Arizona; Phyllis Vernia (John) of Floyd Knobs, IN; Cindy Matheny (Dan) of New Albany; and Jackie Grubbs (David) of New Albany; three stepchildren; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and five step-grandchildren.

He retired from International Harvester in Louisville with 35 years of service in 1982.

Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28 and from 9-9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 at Kraft Funeral Home, 708 E. Spring Street, New Albany. A funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with burial and military honors to follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society; c/o St. Mary’s Catholic Church; 415 E. 8th Street; New Albany, IN 47150 or to Hosparus of Southern Indiana; 502 Hausfeldt Lane; New Albany, IN 47150.

To leave a special message for the family, please visit: Kraftfuneralservice.net