Jimmy Ray Wright

Jim R. wright, known as "Judge" to many and "Pa" to his family, passed away on December 23, 2025, in Eastland, Texas, at the age of 79. A proud lifelong resident of Eastland, Jim lived a life of service and leadership marked by a distinguished legal career, faithful ministry, a strong commitment to the community he called home, and a deep love for his family. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on December 27, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Eastland under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Jim was born on December 21, 1946, to James T. and Lea Wright. He graduated from Eastland High School in 1964 and earned his undergraduate degree from North Texas State University in 1968. He received his Juris Doctor from Texas Tech University School of Law in 1971, where he graduated third in his class.

During and after law school, Jim practiced law in Lubbock with the law firm Wagonseller and Cobb. In 1973, he relocated to Eastland where he practiced law until 1979 when, at the age of 32, he was appointed by Governor Bill Clements as judge to the 91st District Court, making him the youngest person at that time to serve as a district judge in Texas history. He continuously served in this position until 1995, when he was appointed by Governor George W. Bush as an appellate justice to the 11th Court of Appeals. In 2005, Governor Rick Perry appointed him Chief Justice of the 11th Court of Appeals, a role he held with distinction until he retired in 2017. After his retirement, he continued his service as senior appellate justice, and in 2019 he achieved 40 years of continual judicial service. His esteemed career was recognized through his election to the Texas Bar Foundation, the Order of the Coif, and multiple terms on both the Admissions Committee for the State Bar of Texas, and as Chief to the Chiefs.

Jim also faithfully served as Pastor of First Christian Church in Eastland for 30 years to a congregation that was dear to him. His ministry reflected a reverence for Scripture, deep love for Jesus, a clear understanding of grace, and a commitment to welcoming all without judgment. He felt his calling as a minister extended beyond the pulpit as displayed in the kindness, generosity, and encouragement he offered to others both inside and outside the church. His legacy is also remembered in the countless weddings and funerals over which he presided.

Proudly calling Eastland and Lake Leon his home, Jim cherished his community and enjoyed seeing it thrive. He was known as a pillar of the community, and in recognition of a lifetime of service, he received the Golden Deeds Award from the Eastland Chamber of Commerce.

Jim found his greatest joy in his family, each of whom held a special place in his heart and brought him immense pride and joy. They spent much of their time together at the lake, and he enjoyed cooking them his well-known brisket, ribs, and potato salad. He treasured the quality time he got to spend with his loved ones around a shared table.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, James T. Wright (Banco); his mother, Henry Lea Wright (Granny); his sister, Jeannie Walker; and his niece, Jana Cogburn.

He is survived by his wife Patricia, his constant partner and support; his children and their spouses: Kevin Wright and Amy, Vicki Bradley and Jeff, Kristi Brixey and Jeryl, Brandi Wright and Haley; stepdaughters and spouses: Jacey Storm and Stephen, Ashley Crowder, and Blakeney Hodges and Talmage; stepmother Barbara Wright; aunts Elizabeth Vaughn and Nancy Humphreys, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family members and a host of friends.

Jim R. Wright will be remembered as a humble and gracious man, one who understood his own need for grace and extended it freely to others. He lived a life of faithful service to God, his family, and the town he never stopped calling home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eastland Memorial Hospital or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.