James Foster “Jim” Wright
James Foster “Jim” Wright of Carlisle, Kentucky, born December 23, 1947 died peacefully on June 2, 2022 from complications of myasthenia gravis at the age of 74. Preceded by death is his father Goebel Wright of Flemingsburg, Kentucky. Jim leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Teresa George Wright, his mother, Winnie Wright of Sun City, Florida, sister Tevis Wright Keating and brother-in-law, US Representative Bill Keating of Cape Cod, Mass., brother-in-law Lloyd Davis George of Chattanooga, TN, nephews Patrick Keating, Mathew George and Christopher George, and nieces, Kirsten Keating and Alexandria George.
Jim lived life to the fullest taking every adventure God laid before him including licensed pilot and pyrotechnic engineer.
After graduating from Exeter in New Hampshire, he earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University in California. Jim received his MBA at University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, where he met the love of his life, Teresa. Together they moved to California until retirement brought Jim back to his “Ole KY Home” and built his dream home and farm in Carlisle, Kentucky.
A celebration of life service will happen on his farm in the days to come. In lieu of flowers please donate to Paris Animal Welfare Society ( P.A.W.S.), 6 Legion Road, Paris, KY 40361. Hinton-Turner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.hintonturner.com
Jim and I were classmates at Fleming County High School in 1961 and exchanged letters during his days at Phillips Exeter. I spent several pleasant Sunday afternoons at his family’s cabin at Park Lake. I recall a nice trip to see the Beach Boys in Louisville, after which we determined the top speed of his mother’s new car on the way home. We maintained sporadic contact during the following years. I visited Jim when he was at Stanford as I passed through the San Franciso area on my way to Southeast Asia in 1973. We flew across some hill country in his Piper Warrior for a very nice dinner in Livermore, CA.
Jim was one of the most intelligent and spirited individuals I have met in my lifetime. He was a strong competitor on the football field, a brilliant and creative intellect, and a true and compassionate friend. I was deeply saddened to learn of his passing. The world is now a poorer place, and there is a huge empty space in my heart.