James "Jim" Wright, 76, passed away on November 4, 2025, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Born on July 12, 1949, in Peoria, Illinois, Jim lived a life marked by service, generosity, and a deep connection to both people and the natural world.
Jim attended Manual High School and went on to study at Bradley University in his hometown of Peoria. His professional journey began with Caterpillar Inc., where he dedicated an extraordinary 47 years of service. His work took him across the globe, yet he remained deeply connected to the friends he made along the way. Known for his mentorship and unwavering support, Jim guided many younger service representatives through the challenges of customer care with patience and wisdom.
From a young age, Jim embodied a spirit of service. He became an Eagle Scout at just 13 years old—a testament to his early commitment to helping others. That same spirit carried through every chapter of his life. After retiring from Caterpillar, Jim continued to give back by working with Santa Fe Public Schools as a classroom aide and tutor. He even served for a year as the receptionist at Capshaw Middle School before its closure. His dedication to students was heartfelt and enduring.
Jim always dreamed of becoming a forest ranger—a dream that came close to fruition when he joined the volunteer staff at Pecos National Historic Park. There, he contributed over 600 hours of service, finding joy and purpose in sharing the history of the land he loved so dearly. He also volunteered extensively with the Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited and The Upper Pecos Watershed Association.
An avid fisherman throughout his life, Jim's passion evolved into flyfishing in later years. Yet perhaps nothing brought him more peace than working on projects around his beloved 12.5-acre property in Glorieta, New Mexico—a place that reflected his love for nature and hands-on work.
Jim's generosity was legendary; he was truly the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back in freezing weather. Alongside his wife Toby after her retirement, Jim embraced the Jewish principle of "Tikkun Olam," or repairing the world, by volunteering at the Santa Fe Food Depot—another reflection of his lifelong commitment to community service.
Jim is survived by his wife Toby (Gross) Wright, daughters Jessica Wright Gordon (Ty) and Kyle Wright Lahl (Bill), and son Kurt Wright; four grandsons—Keegan and Eli Lahl and Talyn and Evan Gordon; nieces Amanda Cusack and Elizabeth Anders; and nephew Matt Baum.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Della McMillan Wright and Vernon Wright.
A memorial service was held in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Internment will take place at the Neptune Memorial Reef in Key Biscane, FL at a date TBD.
In honor of Jim's legacy of compassion and community involvement, donations may be made to The Memory Care Alliance in his name.
May Jim's memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire acts of kindness for generations to come.
Jim attended Manual High School and went on to study at Bradley University in his hometown of Peoria. His professional journey began with Caterpillar Inc., where he dedicated an extraordinary 47 years of service. His work took him across the globe, yet he remained deeply connected to the friends he made along the way. Known for his mentorship and unwavering support, Jim guided many younger service representatives through the challenges of customer care with patience and wisdom.
From a young age, Jim embodied a spirit of service. He became an Eagle Scout at just 13 years old—a testament to his early commitment to helping others. That same spirit carried through every chapter of his life. After retiring from Caterpillar, Jim continued to give back by working with Santa Fe Public Schools as a classroom aide and tutor. He even served for a year as the receptionist at Capshaw Middle School before its closure. His dedication to students was heartfelt and enduring.
Jim always dreamed of becoming a forest ranger—a dream that came close to fruition when he joined the volunteer staff at Pecos National Historic Park. There, he contributed over 600 hours of service, finding joy and purpose in sharing the history of the land he loved so dearly. He also volunteered extensively with the Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited and The Upper Pecos Watershed Association.
An avid fisherman throughout his life, Jim's passion evolved into flyfishing in later years. Yet perhaps nothing brought him more peace than working on projects around his beloved 12.5-acre property in Glorieta, New Mexico—a place that reflected his love for nature and hands-on work.
Jim's generosity was legendary; he was truly the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back in freezing weather. Alongside his wife Toby after her retirement, Jim embraced the Jewish principle of "Tikkun Olam," or repairing the world, by volunteering at the Santa Fe Food Depot—another reflection of his lifelong commitment to community service.
Jim is survived by his wife Toby (Gross) Wright, daughters Jessica Wright Gordon (Ty) and Kyle Wright Lahl (Bill), and son Kurt Wright; four grandsons—Keegan and Eli Lahl and Talyn and Evan Gordon; nieces Amanda Cusack and Elizabeth Anders; and nephew Matt Baum.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Della McMillan Wright and Vernon Wright.
A memorial service was held in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Internment will take place at the Neptune Memorial Reef in Key Biscane, FL at a date TBD.
In honor of Jim's legacy of compassion and community involvement, donations may be made to The Memory Care Alliance in his name.
May Jim's memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire acts of kindness for generations to come.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Wright, please visit our flower store.
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