James "Jim" Robert Wright, Jr., age 86, of O'Fallon, Ill., born February 20, 1938 in East St. Louis, Ill., passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 3, 2024 surrounded by his family.

Jim grew up in French Village and graduated from East St. Louis High in 1956. He met the love of his life, Corrine, on a blind date and they married in 1959. Jim was a family man who enjoyed fishing, cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and Rams, and was an avid fan of all his grandkids at their sporting events. Jim served in the Army National Guard and was a member of Local 881 and 655 UFCW at several supermarkets in the metro-east. In retirement, he pursued his passion for motorcycles, spending his time serving the Frieze Harley-Davidson store in various roles.

He was an active and faithful parishioner of St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, serving with St. Vincent de Paul Society, and as a member of the St. Clare Seniors club. Jim was a devoted husband, dad, and papa and a friend to all, usually greeting you with, "I'm a hugger!"

He was preceded in death by his parents James R. and Dorothy, nee Stephens, Wright, Sr., brother David Wright, and his grandson Gerold James Blum.

He is survived by his beloved wife Corrine, his daughters Barbara (Jerry) Blum of Arlington, Tenn., Carolyn (Christopher) Lile of St. Louis, Kristine (Tom) Fitzgerald of Maryville; ten grandchildren Emily, Nicole, Gerold, Rachel, Ryan, Megan, Madeline, Meredith, Drew and Maggie; and five great-grandchildren Carter, Kinley, Chloe, Evie, and Brooks.

We want to thank our private caregivers, Shirley and LaTrece, and Family Hospice for providing Jim with excellent care.

Sign the guestbook at wfh-ofallon.com. Memorial donations are suggested to either St. Clare Catholic Church, 1411 Cross St., Shiloh IL 62269 or St. Vincent de Paul Society, PO Box 3415, East St. Louis, IL 62203

Visitation: 4-8 pm, Thursday, May 9, 2024 at St. Clare Catholic Church, 1411 Cross St., Shiloh, and after 9 am, Friday, May 10, 2024 at the church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am, Friday, May 10, 2024, at the church, with Fr. Jim Deiters presiding. Burial will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Ill.