Spokane, WA - James Edward Wright, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and educator, passed away peacefully at his Lake Coeur d'Alene cabin on July 14, 2025, at the age of 73.

Born on February 5, 1952, in Lewiston, Idaho, Jim spent his early years in Clarkston, Washington. He was active in youth group, choir, and service as a junior deacon at Clarkston Christian Church. From Cub Scouts and Little League to band and football at Charles Francis Adams High School, Jim fully embraced the opportunities of his youth. He graduated in 1970 and attended Lewis-Clark State College before transferring to Eastern Washington University in Cheney. At EWU, Jim earned a degree in education with a vocational emphasis. As a student, he also served as a resident volunteer firefighter with the Cheney Fire Department.

In 1975, Jim married Lynnaie Ann Pearson and he began his teaching career at Umatilla High School, where he also coached baseball. In 1979, he moved to Yakima, Washington, where Jim taught woodworking and drafting at Lewis & Clark Junior High. Jim's passion for education and commitment to students shone throughout his 35-year career. At Davis High School, he pioneered one of Eastern Washington's first applied physics programs and was instrumental in launching the school's Rotary Interact Club. He also served as athletic director at Davis and later transitioned into school administration, becoming assistant principal at Eisenhower High School in 1995. Jim completed his impactful career as Yakima School District's construction planning principal, a position he was quite proud of and thoroughly enjoyed.

Throughout his life, Jim was a man of faith and service. In Yakima, he was a deacon, elder, and board chair at Englewood Christian Church, and later attended Christ Lutheran and Central Lutheran. He was also a dedicated member of The Rotary Club of Yakima, always seeking ways to give back.

In 1999, Jim married Mary Beth (Sund) Peck, and together they built a life of shared purpose, community involvement, a love of travel, and never missing a summer at their cabin on Lake Coeur d'Alene. Upon his retirement in 2016, they made their home in Spokane in a welcoming neighborhood filled with family and friends. Although an EWU Eagle through and through, he also enjoyed attending WSU football games and Gonzaga basketball games.

Jim is survived by his wife and true soulmate, Mary Beth; his children, Brandon (Kristin) Wright of Everett, Travis (Leah) Wright of Pasco, Jenelle (Erik) Chaffins of Spokane, Tyler Peck (Robyn Howard) of West Yellowstone, Montana; and grandchildren, Addison and Bennett of Spokane, and Isla and Tatum of Pasco. He is also survived by his sister, Ann Koenig of Lewiston and, brother, Douglas Wright of Richland, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Marjorie Wright of Clarkston.

A Celebration of Life will be held September 6th at 1:00 p.m. at the Pergola Event Center, 2928 N. Madelia Street in Spokane. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Yakima Schools Foundation in Jim's memory.