James Marvin Wright Sr.

James M. Wright, Sr., of Chestertown, MD, passed away on May 22, 2022 at the age of 90. He was born on April 30, 1932, the son of the late Ernest William and Katherine Elseroad Wright. Born and raised in Baltimore, he graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic High School. He began his work career as an apprentice at B&O Railroad for a short time before becoming a construction inspector for the Maryland State Roads Commission. He met his future wife, Norma Lee Berger, while living in Baltimore. They were married on January 10, 1953, and had two sons together. In 1950, he enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves and was called to active duty in December 1953, and served his two year active enlistment on the USS Orion. After being honorably discharged, he came home to Baltimore and resumed his employment with the State Roads Commission now known as the Maryland State Highway Administration as a construction inspector. While working for the Roads Commission, he attended McCoy College at night and received his Bachelor's of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Johns Hopkins University in 1966. During his 35 year career with the State, his career advancements led to relocating his family to Chestertown on the Eastern Shore where he retired on May 30, 1986, as the District Engineer for District Two of the Maryland State Highway Administration. Soon after retirement from government service, he went to work for David A. Bramble, Inc. in 1987 until finally retiring in 2009. Jim was a lifelong learner and an avid reader; you could always find him with either a book or crossword puzzle in progress. He even won a contest in the Baltimore Sun for his crossword skills. He also enjoyed car maintenance and home improvement, remodeling the family home. Jim was a life member of the Frank M. Jarman, Post 36, of the American Legion. He is survived by his wife, Norma Wright; sons, Jim Wright Jr. (Susan) and Bruce Wright (Katherine); and grandchildren, Kristen Owen, Ashley Wright, Bruce Wright Jr., Katherine Wright, and Jason Loesch. Services will be held on Tuesday, May 31 at Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home in Chestertown at 11:00 am. A visitation will be held one hour prior from 10:00 – 11:00 am at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Church Hill Volunteer Fire Company at P.O. Box 66, Church Hill, MD 21623; Kent & Queen Anne’s Rescue Squad at 140 Morgnec Road, Chestertown, MD 21620; and Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company at P.O. Box 296, Chestertown, MD 21620.

James Marvin Wright Sr.

April 30, 1932 - May 22, 2022