Jimmy Charles Wright Sr.

Posted on September 17, 2025

Jimmy Charles Wright Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather and mentor, passed away on Sept. 12, 2025, at Cornerstone Hospice House in Clermont. He was 87 years old. Born on Jan. 14, 1938, in Perry, Jimmy was a devoted husband to his wife, Geraldine (Hart) Wright, for nearly 66 years until her passing on Jan. 13, 2025. After graduating from high school, Jimmy joined the United States Navy and trained as a radarman. He served on the USS Gunston Hall (LSD5) and the USS Whetstone (LSD27) before being honorably discharged after three years of service. During a leave from the Navy, Jimmy visited his best friend, Ronald Lanier, who introduced him to his fiancée, Sadie, and her best friend, Geraldine Hart. This chance meeting blossomed into a lifelong love, and Jimmy and Geraldine married in 1959. They had two children: their son, Jim Jr., born in 1960, and their daughter, Denise, born in 1963. In 1959, Jimmy joined the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). Throughout his career, he and his family moved to various locations across Florida as he advanced through the ranks, including Key Largo, Macclenny, Mayo, Palatka, Miami, Tallahassee, Kissimmee and Panama City. Jimmy retired in 2001 with the rank of major after 42 years of service. In retirement, Jimmy and Geraldine traveled across the United States in their 5th-wheel camper and attended multiple reunions with his crew mates from his Navy days. When not traveling, they spent much of their time with their two grandsons, Michael and Daniel, cheering them on at numerous football, basketball and lacrosse games. Jimmy lived by a strong moral code, always striving to “get it right” and “get it done.” He passed this same code on to his two children. When Geraldine was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Jimmy devoted himself entirely to caring for her. When it became too much for one person to handle alone, Jimmy reluctantly agreed to move her to a memory care facility, but remained by her side. For more than two years, Jimmy never missed a day visiting Geraldine. He would spend hours talking with her, and ensuring that she ate dinner before he left to return home. His dedication was much admired by the staff at the memory care facility, who often commented that they had never seen anyone more dedicated than Jimmy. Jimmy came into Lori Amy’s life through the gift of friendship with his daughter, Denise. Throughout her adolescence, during countless sleepovers at the Wright home, Jimmy provided a role model of decency and integrity. In later life, when Jimmy was caring for Geraldine, Lori was humbled by Jimmy’s devotion to his wife and the extraordinary care he took of her every need. A church service to honor Jimmy will be held at Riverside Baptist Church in Mayo, followed by his burial at Riverside Baptist Church Cemetery on Sunday, Sept. 21, at 2 p.m. with Brother Ricky Lyons officiating. His memory will forever be cherished by: his son, Jim (Kelly) Wright Jr.; daughter, Denise (John Jones) Wright; his two grandsons, Michael Wright and Daniel (Constance) Wright; and his sister, Sharon (Wright) Shaw; as well as a host of nieces and nephews. In the quiet reflection of Jimmy’s life, we remember a hardworking and good man who had a fierce love for his wife, children and grandchildren. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a contagious laugh. May his spirit find eternal peace, and may his memory continue to bring comfort to all those who loved him. Jimmy was preceded in death by: his wife, Geraldine; his parents, Clayton Wright and Edith (Lynn) Wright; his brothersin-law, Larry Shaw and Claud L. Hart Jr.; and his sister-in-law, Lindle (Hart) Livingston. In honor of Jimmy, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Friends may sign the online guest book at joepburnsfuneralhomes. com. All arrangements are under the care of Joe P. Burns Funeral Home of Perry.