James Ray Wright, age 78 of Big Spring passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, January 28, 2023. The family will receive friends from 2pm to 4pm, Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church in Jolly, Texas on Tuesday, February 7, 2023.
He was born in Dallas, Texas to parents William B. Wright and Opal (Ely) Wright and married Mary Teague in 1967 in Fort Worth, Texas.
He graduated from Old High in Wichita Falls, Texas in 1962. He served in the Army in Okinawa and Germany. He graduated from Midwestern University in 1978 and received his masters from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1980. He was ordained and licensed into ministry in 1986 in Dumas, Arkansas. He served in churches in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Indiana. The highlight of Jim’s ten years as Minister of Music at First Methodist in Big Spring was his Living Christmas Tree performances. After retiring, he pastored Ackerly Methodist Church for ten years.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, his daughter Karie, his brother Gerry Wright and wife Debbie of Georgia and sister-in-law Lana Wright of Wichita Falls. He is also survived by many dear cousins, nephews and a niece.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother David.
Memorials may be made to First Methodist Church of Big Spring.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com
