James Wright passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 13, 2021. He was 80.
He was born in Troy, Ohio, but spent most of his childhood in Loogootee, Indiana.
Jim served proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps before moving to New Jersey. A graduate from Fairleigh Dickinson University, he earned a degree in economics. In 1966 He married the love of his life, Carolyn, and together they raised their two children, Jan Paul and Natalie.
He was a founding owner of CMA Inc. then later served as the director of finance for Sussex County Community College. A model of public service, Jim was elected deputy mayor for Hardyston Township and was also a member of the planning board. A supporter of public education, he was an elected member of the boards of education for both Hardyston and Wallkill Valley schools. He spent time as a commissioner for S.C.U.M.A., served on the Hardyston Heritage Society, Wallkill Youth Football, and was a Lake Tamarack Trustee.
At the age of 62 Jim retired and was able to pursue a true passion of the outdoors. Jim hiked the entire length of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. Upon completion, he served as a Ridge Runner for the National Park Service, assisting other hikers on their journeys and maintaining trails and the nature that he appreciated.
Jim was predeceased by his wife, Carolyn (nee Polidoro), and brothers John Peter, John Edwin, and Robert.
He is survived by his children, Jan Paul and Corinne Wright, and Natalie and Robert Perez; siblings, Richard, Jerry, William, Julia, Janice, Crystal, and Brenda; grandchildren, Natasha, Alexander, Thomas, Angela, Jimmy, Kali, Grace, Gianna, and Elizabeth; and great-grandchildren Riley, Falyn, and Liam.
Visitation was held March 19 at F. John Ramsey Funeral Home, Franklin, N.J. A graveside service was held March 20 in the North Hardyston Cemetery.