James A. ‘Jim’ Wright

James A. “Jim” Wright, 86, of Ware, died Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. 

He was born on July 13, 1938, in Union County, the son of Wayne Karl “Kate” and Ivory Wilson Wright.

He retired from the Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna. He worked for five years at the Murray Center in Centralia and then transferred to the Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center for 25 years.

His passion was watching his grandsons participate in sports, playing bingo and going to the casino. He loved to watch any sport on television and the St. Louis Cardinals were his favorite team.

In his younger years, he loved to fish and hunt. He also loved his fried chicken.

Mr. Wright was an active member of the Democrat Party for his entire life, serving as a Precinct Committeeman for over 50 years. He worked diligently for the election of hundreds of office holders at the local, state and federal levels.

He was also a strong AFSCME Union member both while an employee at Choate and he continued his activism after he retired. He had served as President of AFSCME Retirees Local Subchapter 90 for 30 years. He made hundreds of trips to Springfield to fight against layoffs, also fighting for our pensions, and our healthcare. He was recently presented with a plaque from AFSCME thanking him for his years of dedication to the cause and for inspiring others to keep fighting the good fight.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Vonda and Steve Benefield and grandsons, Skylar Benefield and Brayden Benefield, all of Anna; brother Richard Wright of Dexter, Mo.; sisters Beverly Ellis of Grand Tower, Sharon Smith of Poplar Bluff, Mo., Vicki Wilson of Ware, Debbie Wright of Cobden and Karen Wright of Ware; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Bill Wright; sisters Barbara Foster, Lois Dickerson, Ruth Allen, Sondra Clover and Audrey Wright.

Funeral services were at 11 Saturday, Jan. 25, with the Rev. Bobby Henson officiating and a flag presentation by the Illinois National Guard at Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro.

Interment will take place at a later time at Anna City Cemetery.

Memorials be made to Shawnee CUSD No. 84 for the Christmas Giving Tree Program. 

To view the obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.

Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements.