James Christopher Wright

Mr. James Christopher Wright, 92, of Chase City, VA entered eternal rest Wednesday April 6, 2011 at Mary Washington Hospital, Fredericksburg, VA.   Mr. Wright was born December 25, 1918 in Chase City, Virginia to the late Hattie and Johnny Wright. He was a lifetime member of Bethlehem Baptist Church,   where he served as a deacon, trustee, bible school teacher, Sunday school teacher, choir member, and served his church whenever he could.  He attended Thyne Institute and joined the Army after completing his high school education.  He served his country in World War II.    After returning from the war, Mr. Wright continued his education at Saint Paul’s College,  Lawrenceville, VA, earning a B.S. degree in Industrial Education.  He later earned a Master’s degree in Education at Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA.  He was a skilled bricklayer and shared his expertise by teaching bricklaying courses in the Mecklenburg County School System for 31 years.   Mr. Wright was involved in a host of organizations in the Chase City community, serving on the Town Council for over 30 years. He was  the first Black Vice Mayor of Chase City. He was a Freemason and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.   He was more recently recognized as Grand Marshall of the Chase City Christmas parade and the Chairman Emeritus of the Deacon Board at Bethlehem Baptist Church.  He was preceded in death by his childhood sweetheart and wife of 62 years, Annie S. Wright, who he affectionately called “Bambino”.  He is survived by his daughter, Jacqueline Christobel Holmes, son-in-law Thomas Holmes, two granddaughters, Christal and Kimberly, sister-in-law Dorothy Smith, and a host of extended family and friends. Funeral services for Mr. James C. Wright will be conducted 2:30 P.M. Sunday, April 10, 2011 at Bethlehem Baptist Church Chase City, VA with Rev. Dr. Ricky A. Lee, officiating.  Burial will follow in Thyne Memorial Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Chase City, VA. Arrangements are by Giles-Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chase City, VA.