James "Jim" Wright

James Arthur Wright (Jim), 81, of Chadron, Nebraska, passed away at Monument

Health, Rapid City, South Dakota, on September 29, 2026, surrounded by several loving

family members. Despite his significant health challenges in recent years, Jim faced all

with hope and grace.

Jim was born on April 30, 1945, in Dayton, Ohio, to Lloyd and Flora Wright. His early

years were spent in Anderson, Indiana, where he attended public school, developing his

singing and academic skills. In 1967, Jim graduated from Anderson College, Anderson,

Indiana, with a degree in Mathematics.

Jim possessed many attributes. He was a gentle, kind individual who was easily

approachable. Besides being a caring educator, Jim was a great family man and an

exemplary man of faith. He had a special gift for understanding mathematics and

statistics, subjects that came naturally to him. In fact, he would solve problems randomly

for fun. Also, Jim was an adept handyman able to figure out or repair most anything.

Teaching was Jim’s calling. He was a lifelong educator with a genuine love of learning.

Throughout Jim’s career, beginning in Indiana and then in Western Nebraska, he taught

learners of every age, from preschool children to graduate students. In 1983, Jim became

a professor at Chadron State College (CSC). During his tenure, he earned a doctorate

degree from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 1987, and later served as Dean of

Graduate Studies and Research from 1989-1993. Jim retired in 2013 as a Full Professor,

having earned the distinction of Professor Emeritus.

Music was a vital part of Jim’s life. He was a lifelong singer who shared his rich baritone

voice at a number of functions and weddings, most notably at his and Carol’s wedding in

1978, as well as the weddings of daughter Stacia and son Greg in October of 1993. Jim

and Carol also enjoyed many years of participation in the CSC Community Chorus.

Jim’s dedication to service extended throughout the community. He was a member of the

Chadron Club of Kiwanis International from 1984-1998, serving as President from 1990-

1991. He served on the Chadron City Schools Board of Education, including as President

1994-1996, and was a board member of the Chadron Arts Center from 2011-2025. A

devoted member of Grace Episcopal Church, Jim served multiple terms on the Vestry,

was Senior Warden for three terms, and faithfully participated as a choir member, lay

reader, and chalice bearer. In recent years, Jim and Carol enjoyed portraying historical

couples during Chadron Cemetery Tours held as part of Chadron’s annual Fur Trade Days

celebration.

A precious memory is the wedding of Jim and Carol on July 22, 1978, at St. Timothy’s

Episcopal Church in Gering, Nebraska. Together they raised three children, Greg, Stacia

and Alicia. These children went on to raise three children of their own. Thus, Jim was

grandpa to nine grandchildren and most recently, one great-grandchild.

Fond memories were also formed through travel adventures. Jim’s love of travel started

through family road trips and later as a college student. One summer, along with two

college buddies, he ventured throughout Europe, staying in multiple hostel lodgings.

Other adventures included stuffing three children in the back of the family gray station

wagon, and driving to several distant locations to visit family in Florida and California. In

more recent years, Jim and Carol put many miles on their truck, driving their camper to

local state parks, Hart Ranch, the Black Hills, as well as to Texas, Arizona, New Mexico,

Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. In 2023, they were fortunate to travel

internationally on the Rhine River trip with fellow CSC alumni.

Jim was a tender soul. His kindness, warm smiles, and gentle wisdom will be greatly

missed. His legacy lives on through the countless students he inspired, the family he

cherished, the community he faithfully served, and the many lives he enriched.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Carol, and children, Greg (Candy), Stacia (Steve,

deceased) and Alicia (Michael Miller); his grandchildren, Ashley Wurm, Josh Wright,

Bodhisattva Miller, Jessica Wright, Makenna Brech, Japhy Wright-Miller, Sam Wright,

Camden Brech, Hanshan Wright-Miller and great-grandchild, Emilio Edwin.

Other survivors include Janet Stinson (Jim’s sister), James Price (brother-in-law), Gail

Price (sister-in-law), and Jo Smith (a treasured childhood friend), along with dear friends

and relatives.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, 450 Bordeaux, Chadron,

Nebraska, on Saturday, November 7 at 11:00 a.m., with Dr. Russ Seger officiating.

The sharing of memories and lunch will follow in the church parish hall.

A memorial has been established for Grace Episcopal Church, the American Heart

Association or the Music Department at CSC. Donations may be sent to: Chamberlain

Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, Nebraska, 69337