Wright, James Michael

We gather to celebrate the life of James Michael “Mike” Wright—a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, veteran, engineer, beekeeper, teacher, and friend. While we grieve his passing, we also celebrate a life defined by love, perseverance, service, and an unwavering commitment to family.

Mike was born on May 3, 1951, in Rocky Mount, Virginia, to Emma Overfelt and Berman Wright. He attended several elementary schools throughout Franklin County and spent much of his childhood on Iron Ridge Road in Rocky Mount, where he was raised by a family that included his father, grandparents, aunt, and uncle. Those early years taught him the values that would become the foundation of his life: hard work, self-reliance, and caring for those around him.

He met his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Jean, while attending Franklin County High School, where he graduated in 1969. They were married on July 7, 1973, beginning a partnership that would span a lifetime of love, faithfulness, and unwavering support for one another. After graduation, he continued his education at Virginia Western Community College and New River Community College while working for Powers Fence Company.

In 1971, Mike proudly joined the United States Air Force, serving his country for nine years while stationed in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Ruidoso, New Mexico. After leaving the Air Force, Mike worked for Cablevision and later for the gas company. Following a difficult battle with cancer, he and Jean made the decision to return to Virginia in 1984, to be closer to family. Once home, Mike began a long and successful career with Poly Scientific. Starting as a technician in Research and Development, he earned promotions to Quality Assurance Engineer in fiber optics before moving into sales, where he spent eleven years traveling throughout Europe. During this time, one of Mike’s proudest accomplishments came while balancing a career and raising a family. He completed his studies at New River Community College and continued his education online through Old Dominion University, earning his Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 1999. Later, he transitioned into slip ring engineering before retiring in 2018. His determination showed his family that learning never ends and that it’s never too late to pursue a goal.

Together, Mike and Jean built a wonderful family. Their sons, Brian and Brad, were the pride of his life. As the family grew, so did Mike’s joy, with six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren bringing him endless happiness. He treasured every one of them. Mike wasn’t just a father and grandfather—he was a teacher by example. He believed that the greatest lessons weren’t always spoken but demonstrated every day. He taught his children and grandchildren the value of hard work, the importance of responsibility, the wisdom of saving money, and the necessity of taking care of one another. Those lessons became part of the legacy he leaves behind, and they will continue to shape his family for generations to come.

But if you asked those who knew him best what defined Mike, they probably wouldn’t start with his career. They would tell you about the man who could fix just about anything.

Mike was the person everyone called when something broke. He was a gifted mechanic, an experienced HVAC technician, and the family’s dependable “Mr. Fix It.” There was always another project waiting in his workshop, another repair to make, or another challenge to solve. He found satisfaction in understanding how things worked and making them work again.

Mike also was an avid beekeeper whose appreciation for honeybees reflected his patience and respect for nature. He raised bobwhite quail and cared for birds with the same dedication he gave everything else. He loved tending fruit trees, working in his garden, and watching things grow. Even as his health declined and life became more difficult, his dreams never changed. He still wanted to keep his bees, care for his bobwhites, tend his fruit trees, and work in his garden. Those passions gave him purpose, peace, and hope.

Second only to his love for his family was his love for Philpott Lake. To Mike, his trailer at the lake wasn’t just a place to stay—it was his castle. It was his happy place, a place where he could enjoy the outdoors and the simple pleasures that meant so much to him. He loved fishing, boating, water sports, jet skiing, riding UTVs and four-wheelers, cutting trees, clearing land, and spending quiet evenings on the back deck watching for deer. Yet what brought him the greatest joy at the lake was not the activities themselves, but sharing them with the people he loved. Some of his happiest moments were when his children and grandchildren came to visit—spending the day on the boat, cooking out together, playing outside, and creating memories that will live on long after him. The laughter of family gathered at the lake was the soundtrack of some of Mike’s most treasured days.

Mike’s life reminds us that happiness is often found in simple things—a healthy garden, the hum of bees on a warm afternoon, a project completed with your own hands, a peaceful day at the lake, and the laughter of children and grandchildren gathered nearby.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jean Wright; his sons, Brian Wright and Brad (Ashley) Wright; Jennifer Wright; six cherished grandchildren; two precious great-grandchildren; brother, Sherrard Wright Sr.; nephew, Sherrard Wright Jr.; niece, Clara Donahue and numerous extended family members and dear friends whose lives were made richer by knowing him.

While we mourn today, we also celebrate a life that was full and meaningful. Mike served his country with honor. He loved his family with all his heart. He worked hard, learned continually, gave generously of his time and talents, and quietly made the world around him a better place.

His greatest legacy is not found in the things he built, repaired, or accomplished, but in the people he loved and the values he passed on. Every time his children choose integrity, every time his grandchildren work hard, save wisely, help one another, or refuse to give up when life becomes difficult, Mike’s legacy continues.

In just a few days, Mike and Jean would have celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary. More than five decades ago, they promised to walk through life together, and they honored that promise through every joy, every challenge, every success, and every hardship. Their marriage was a beautiful example of commitment, partnership, and enduring love. Though they will not celebrate this anniversary together here on earth, we find comfort in knowing that the love they shared remains one of the greatest blessings and most enduring legacies of Mike’s life.

Though we will miss Mike’s steady hands, his quiet wisdom, and his reassuring presence, we are grateful that his influence remains with us. We will remember the example he set, cherish the memories we shared, and carry his love in our hearts for the rest of our lives.

Rest peacefully, Mike. Thank you for your service, your strength, your example, and your love. You have finished your work here, and you leave behind a family and a legacy that will continue to flourish—just like the gardens you tended so faithfully.

A Celebration of Life honoring Mike will be held on July 9, 2026. The family will be receiving visitation at Auburn Baptist Church in Riner, Virginia starting at 10am, with “Shake” Smith officiating at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to the Riner Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 11, Riner, VA 24149, or to Good Samaritan Hospice, 4751 Cove Road, Roanoke, VA 24017, in Mike’s memory.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone for the love, prayers, kindness, and support shown during this difficult time. Your compassion has been a source of great comfort, and your friendship will never be forgotten.

Mike will be forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.