James E. Wright Sr., 80, of Franklin, Tenn., passed away May 7, 2016.
He was preceded in death by parents, A.E. Wright and Wilma Dryden Wright, and brothers, William Wright and Dr. Robert (Polly) Wright.
Mr. Wright graduated high school from Peabody Demonstration School. He graduated college from Peabody College and received his Masters of Education from MTSU. He spent his adult life serving the youth of Middle Tennessee through sports and recreation. Mr. Wright served Youth Incorporated in various capacities beginning in 1950 until he retired as Executive Director of Youth Inc. in 2000 having directed YI Ranch and Jr. Pro Basketball. He also served TSSAA Basketball and Middle TN Basketball Officials Association as a referee, commissioner and supervisor from 1956-2016. He was inducted into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 1998 and was recently inducted into the Metro Coaches Hall of Fame as a contributor in April of 2016.
Mr. Wright was a member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Franklin, a former member of the Nashville Civitan Club, a current member of the Roan Mountain Citizens Club and a charter member of the LLL Club of Upper East Tennessee.
He is survived by wife, Judy Wright; daughters, Terri Philpo and Laurie (Kenny) Peek; sons, Mark (Lisa) Wright and Jim Jr. (Amanda) Wright; nephew, Joe (Norma) Wright; niece, Eileen (Mike) Marsh; and seven grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, at Bethlehem United Methodist Church with Rev. Edd Templeton and Rev. David Bradley officiating. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home and also following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Bethlehem United Methodist Church or Alive Hospice of Nashville.
Williamson Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 615-794-2289. www.williamsonmemorial.com