James Mark Wright's Obituary
James Mark Wright, 65, passed away on October 13, 2024 in Rogers. He was born on December 20, 1958 in Inglewood, California to William G. and Helen F. (Webber) Wright.
Jim “loved” football and started playing in the 6th grade with Pop Warner Youth Football program. He continued to play throughout high school and was a Walk-On for the Razorbacks when he attended the U of Arkansas.
Basketball was a close second for him. One of the highlights of his high school years, was making the winning three pointer in the last seconds of the championship game which sent his team, the Gentry Pioneers, to State. He loved being a part of that team.
His sister remembers vividly the day we drove into Gentry from California where they had gone to a large school. When they drove by the Gentry High School which at the time was very small. Debbie moaned “Oh my gosh” but Jim said, “Wow, can we go right now?”
Throughout his life he was always upbeat, happy and never met a stranger. He could talk to anyone and make them feel special. Jim and his late wife, Renata helped many teenagers along the way. Some were in their home for a couple years. He always said, “It was his honor and joy.” Jim spent many years in Florida and came back home to NWA a short three years ago. The last two years of his life he talked often about his boy hood friends… especially those in Gentry Arkansas. That time held wonderful memories for him.
Jim had a distinguished 20 years working at Pitney Bowes Corporation. Beginning as an Area Sales Representative in Albany, Georgia. He advanced through multiple levels of sales and management positions that included Carrier Mgt Specialist, Field Sales Manager, Area Sales Manager and Government Accounts Specialist. He achieved many accolades during his time at Pitney Bowes, and was recognized as the Government Accounts Manager of the year in 1997. He also was named Sales Manager of the year in 2001. Jim was an excellent manager, always working to motivate and lead his staff to success.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Renata Wright; father, William “Bill” Wright; and brother, Billy Wright.
He is survived by his mother, Helen Wright; children, Josh Wright (Tawny), Amber Gavins (James, III), Brandon Seneca, and Kayla; sister, Debbie Ransom (Randy); five grandchildren, Judd Wright, Knox Wright, Marlayna Gavins, Hadley Gavins, and Lainey Gavins; nieces, Shannon Owens, Stacey Allen, Chandlor Lopez, Lindsey Caldwell; and nephew, Ryan Ransom.
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