James Darnell Wright

The Measure of a Man James Darnell Wright, Sr. (aka JD) There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven – Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. A TIME TO BE BORN: The oldest child of the late James William Wright and the late Erline Jones. I was born on June 13, 1947, in Washington, D.C. A TIME TO BUILD: JD was a dedicated supervisor with the United States Government Printing Office for 34 years, a commendable soldier with the United States Army for 6 years, and a devoted employee with Safeway, Washington, D.C. for 20+ years. James attended University District of Columbia with a Degree in Applied Science in 1978. His passion was Cooking and Mortuary Science. His mission in life was to serve others. Although he set aside time for himself, he never neglected time for others. If you needed a friend he was there with a word of encouragement. Each of us has confronted the stormy seas of life, and in the midst of the storm each of us has reached out, and found in many instances the essence of our Creator in the life of our fellow man. JD was such a person, He was the bow (to guide us when we were uncertain of which path to take), the stern (to push us in the right direction), and the life buoy (who supported many who fell into life’s restless seas). A TIME TO PLANT: Remember, JD would always say, “often when we lose hope and think this is the end, God smiles from above and says ‘Relax sweetheart, it’s just a bend, not the end’”. A TIME TO EMBRACE: Give, give, give. What is the point of having experiences, knowledge or talent if I don’t share it? Of having stories if I don’t tell them? Of having wealth if I don’t share it? I can’t take it with me. I have learned that it is in giving that I connect with others, with the world, and with my Lord. A TIME TO LOVE: Birds of a feather flock together and I was created to fly with the eagles. Eagles don’t hang around chickens because chickens can’t fly. On May 10, 1973 I married my eagle, Phyllis Regina Sloan Wright, my sole/soul mate who loved me unconditionally, and for that I am forever grateful. A TIME TO LAUGH: I never took life so seriously that I could not laugh at myself and others. One example was I loved to talk about my wife’s legs. They were skinny but they were mine and I loved every muscle in them. A TIME TO DIE: The Lord called me home on Monday, January 27, 2025. A TIME TO REMEMBER: I am preceded in death by my wife, Phyllis Regina Sloan Wright; my father, James William Wright; my mother, Erline Jones; sisters: Karen Wright, Geraldine Wright, Sandra Harrington and Connie Wright. I leave to cherish my life and legacy my children – Diahanna R. Wright, James D. Wright, Jr. (LaJuan), and Dion D. Wright; my grandchildren – Delonte (Nicole), Derrick, Daijah, Ker’en, Devin, Jazzmine, Samej, and Zoe; my great grandchildren – Jeremiah, Kataleya, and Khalil; brothers: Tyrone, Lonnie, Shawn, Kevin (Sarah) Wright; sisters: Sharon Wright, Cynthia Wright, Penny Wright Johnson (George), Pamela Wright, Robin Wright, and a host of family and friends. A TIME TO CELEBRATE: Little did I know that Monday morning God would call my name. In life I loved you dearly; in death I do the same. I left you peaceful memories, my love is still your guide. And though you cannot see me, I’m always by your side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one-by-one, the chain will link again. I LOVE YOU. His Viewing will be 10:00am until time of Service at 11:00am, Saturday, February 8, 2025, Salvation Outreach and Deliverance Ministry, 4598 Beech Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748. Interment National Harmony Memorial, 7101 Sheriff Road, Hyattsville, MD 20785.

James Darnell Wright

June 13, 1947 - January 27, 2025