James Wright

James C. Wright, 74, of Chambersburg, PA passed away Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Doey’s House, Hagerstown, MD. Born April 26, 1949 in Clarksburg, WV he was the son of the late Grover Paul and Elizabeth (Dinnin) Wright.

He was a graduate of Elkins High School, Class of 1967. Jim attended Marshall University and joined the Army ROTC, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science and Distinguished Military honors in 1971. He entered active duty as an Infantry Officer and completed Airborne. He earned his Master’s of Science in Industrial Engineering from West Virginia University in 1981, was a member of Alpha Pi Mu (National Industrial Engineering Honor Society), and was inducted into Sigma Xi (Scientific Research Society of North America). In 1986 he graduated from the Command and General Staff College and was a lifelong member of the Military Officers Association of America. Over his military career his specialties included Operations, Research and Systems Analysis, Artificial Intelligence and Joint Specialty Officer. His distinguished military career was highlighted through receipt of the Legion of Merit, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, and the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star to name a few. He retired from the Army after 20 years as a Major out of the Pentagon, then continued to serve in the defense of the US through his professional career. He joined the John Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab (JHU APL) staff where his research and contributions earned him recognition as a Senior Staff Professional.

Jim’s dedication to service did not end with retirement. He was a cherished member of First United Methodist Church of Chambersburg and volunteered as a Pennsylvania Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). His hobbies included trains, woodworking, and the outdoors which he took every opportunity he had to share with friends and family.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Bernadine (Duckworth) Wright who he married May 10, 1969; two sons, James Corey Wright (Becky Lynn) of Gibsonia, PA and Matthew Scott Wright (Stephanie Daniels) of Linden, VA; four grandchildren, Citrus, Wesley, Tristan, and Drayk; a sister, Susan Wineke of Salsbury, PA; brother-in-law, Lou Duckworth of Chambersburg; sister-in-law Mary Bowers of Kearneysville, WV; and mother-in-law, Carmelina Duckworth of Martinsburg. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, David Grover Wright and Eugene Paul Wright.

Jim’s memorial service will be on May 11th at 10:00 AM in First United Methodist Church of Chambersburg 225 S. 2nd Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201 with Rev. Steve Livermore officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church. Service will also be followed by a Celebration of Life. Arrangements are by Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Chambersburg. As one of Jim's final wishes, burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in person at the service or via GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/JamesCWright/ . All donations received will be donated to Doey’s House in Hagerstown, MD who helped to make Jim’s last day so peaceful for him and his family.