John C Wright

John C. Wright, fondly known as Jimmy, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Born on April 20, 1941, in Asheville, North Carolina, John’s life was a testament to resilience, love, and dedication. He was the beloved son of the late Zonna Lyles and was later adopted by Alphonse Wright, who together helped shape the man he would become.

John's formative years were marked by his education at Stephens-Lee High School, from which he graduated in 1959. The following year, in 1960, he married Carol Jean Briggs, a union that would be the foundation for much of his family life. Together, they moved to Washington, DC, where their family began to grow with the births of two sons: John C. Wright Jr., born in 1961, and Gregory A. Wright Sr.

In pursuit of new opportunities, John and Carol relocated to Detroit, Michigan. There, John embarked on a longstanding career at the Ford Motor Company beginning in 1965, a role that would define much of his working life. Their family expanded with the arrival of their third son, Marlon T. Wright. Though John and Carol eventually divorced, John chose to remain in Detroit, where he welcomed his fourth son, Nicholas C. Rolack.

John retired from Ford in 1996, closing a significant chapter of his life. Later, in 2013, he moved to DeSoto, Texas, where he spent his remaining years. Throughout his journey, John faced heartache with the loss of two of his sons, John C. Wright Jr. in 1983 and Nicholas C. Rolack in 2012, yet his spirit remained steadfast.

John is remembered and cherished by his surviving family: sons Gregory A. Wright Sr. and Marlon T. Wright; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Alongside his family, John’s memory lives on through the many friends, co-workers, and classmates who were touched by his kindness and strength.

John C. Wright’s life was a celebration of enduring values and love. His legacy continues through the generations he nurtured and the community he enriched. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.