James "Jim" Wright, Sr., 103, of Collins, Iowa passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at Windsor Manor in Nevada, Iowa. A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Collins. Immediately following visitation, a Masonic Service will begin at 2:00 p.m. followed by Jim's funeral ceremony. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery in Collins, Iowa.
Jim was born in New Providence, Iowa on November 22, 1918, to Samuel and Georgia (Lowery) Wright. He attended school in Zearing and graduated from Zearing High School with the class of 1936. Jim joined the Army in 1942 and served as Captain of the 935th Field Artillery Battalion, "B" Battery during WWII including two and one-half years deployed to Africa and numerous countries in Europe. When he returned home, he returned to farming and campaigned for State Representative. He and some friends attended a dance in Marshalltown where he met the love of his life Hazel Lage. The couple was married six months later. He continued farming and expanding Wright Farms and additionally he and Hazel opened Wright Realty in Collins. Jim was an active community member and contributed immensely to the Collins Community. Over the years he was a Collins School Board President, member of the First County Zoning Commission, a charter member of the Collins Lions Club, member of the Collins American Legion, and the Collins Masonic Lodge and a generous donor to the Collins Library and Story Medical Center. As Chairman of the Collins United Methodist Church, he spearheaded construction of the building at the current location. Jim helped organize the Iowa Farm Business Association and was a member of Za-Ga-Zig Shrine. In 1965 he was awarded Iowa Master Farmer. Family was his pride and joy and he loved spending time with them. Jim was always active and enjoyed family vacations, Wright Family reunions, and turkey hunting with his grandson. His eternal green thumb always planted a garden, and Jim never saw a piece of lumber as it was, he always saw it as what he could turn it into.
Jim is survived by his wife Hazel Wright of Nevada, Iowa; children Rebecca (Wayne) Minnick of Ames, Iowa, Thomas (Susan) Wright of Collins, Iowa, James (Sarah) Wright Jr. of Collins, Iowa, and Janelle (Rory) Mason of Nevada, Iowa; grandchildren Joseph (Heidi) Wright, Tracy Wright, Nathan Wright, Christina Wright, Paul Mason and Dylan Mason; step-grandchildren Megan Dreher, Molly DePasquales, Casey Minnick; step great-grandchildren Patrick, Stella, Lucy, Vince, Evan, Aiden, Brody; many nieces and nephews; and many close friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; son William Robert Wright; grandson Jonathan Wright; siblings Hazel (Rufus) Hoelscher, Jessie (Ethel) Wright, Gene (Arlene) Wright, and Kenneth (Jeannie) Wright.
Memorial contributions may be directed to family so they can be distributed to Jim's favorite local organizations.
Fredregrill Funeral & Cremation Care has been entrusted with the care of Jim and his family.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James "Jim" W. Wright, please visit our Tribute Store
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We will miss Uncle James "Jim" Wright. You were a significant part of my life, along with Aunt Hazel, and I am grateful! 5 trees were planted in memory of James "Jim" W. Wright Plant a Tree
3 trees were planted in memory of James "Jim" W. Wright Plant a Tree
My sympathy to the Wright family. Jim and Hazel were a part if our kids' 4-H experience and always had encouraging words. What a long and active life!!
A living extension to remember the life of your Dad.
Memorial Tree was purchased for the family of James "Jim" W. Wright by Tribute Store.
Thoughts of R E S P E C T prevail in every memory of, and experience with, You of the Jim Wright family. In my years of growing-up at Collins, there were many opportunities to share and learn from knowing you. Jim represented —and displayed—Service to Country, Family, and Community. There were countless times shared in the fields, at public events, on the street, and in church. Thank you, Hazel, for your partnership in All of that. I smile when thinking of our last conversation on Main Street of Collins! Friend and neighbor, Greg Robinson. 2/18/22
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as a family with your loss of Jim. He was a very special person who will be greatly missed. May God comfort each of you as well as strengthen you as you celebrate Jim’s life.
Pastor Scott and Margaret Jones
Janelle, I Feel like I got to know your dad a bit through your posts...such spirit!!Memorial Tree was purchased for the family of James "Jim" W. Wright by Liz Hemminger.
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